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MRS. ebb^N tiftRDIN WftbWORTH, 





PRESIDENT OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION, 

1873-1881. 



Battles of Saratoga 



1777 



THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION 

1 856- 1 89 1 



ILLUSTRATED 



BY 

Mrs. Ellen Hardin Walworth 



O I '■'■ ■' 



JOEL MUNSELL'S SONS, PUBLISHERS 

ALBANY, N. Y. 



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Copyright, l8gi, by Mrs. Ellen Hardin Walworth 



Printing House of James A. Rogers 
85-87 OoHN St., N. Y, 







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Printing House of James 
85-87 vIoHN ST., N. 



DEDICATED 

to 

MRS. BENJAMIN HARRISON, 

Whose 

Active Patriotism 

Is an Inspiration to Her Countrymen. 



CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

The Battles of Saratoga — Burgoyne and the Northern Campaign, - 7 

History of the Saratoga Monument Association, 1856-1891, - - 41 

Schuylerville, -- - - - - - - - - - -119 

Guide to the Battle Ground and Schuylerville, - - - - - 125 

Key to the Map of the Third Period of Burgoyne's Campaign, - - 129 

A Visit to the Battle Ground — The Baroness Reidesel in America, - 133 

Visitors' Guide — Saratoga Springs, 175 



ILLUSTRATIONS AND MAPS. 

Horatio Seymour (steel plate), ------ Frontispiece. 

General Daniel Morgan, ------ opposite page 7 

Women of the Revolution, 1776, ....." "16 

Gen. Schuyler Transferring his Command to Gen. Gates, " " 24 

Old Battle Well, Freeman's Farm, " "36 

John H. Starin (steel plate), - . . . Frontispiece H. S. M. A. 

James M. Marvin (steel plate), opposite page 46 

John V. L. Pruyn, " "54 

William L. Stone, " "66 

Bemus' Tavern — Tablet, ------ " <' 70 

J. Watts de Peyster, - - - " " 74 

Advanced American Entrenchments — Tablet, - - u u ^g 

J. C. Markham, " " 84 

Ellen Hardin Walworth, " "96 

Saratoga Monument, " "104 

Twenty-four-Pounder taken from the British, 1813, - " " 117 

Map of the Third Period of Burgoyne's Campaign (original), " " 129 

Fort Neilson — Tablet, " " 133 

Battle of September 19th — Tablet, " " 142 

The British Line of Battle— Tablet, . - . - « « 145 

Morgan's Hill— Tablet, " ''150 

Balcarras' Redoubt — Tablet, " " 154 

Arnold Wounded, Breyman's Hill— Tablet, . - . " " 168 

Map of Drives about Saratoga Springs (original), - " " 173 



PKEFACE. 



The kind reception which has been given to my monograph of Bnr- 
goyne's campaign, published in 1877, by the public and by some eminent 
historians, leads me to illustrate this new edition with original views of the 
battle-ground and the historic tablets which have been erected to mark differ- 
ent points of interest. 

The history of monument associations, such as is here offered of the 
Saratoga Monument Association, is usually published in a small edition for 
circulation among those only who are especially interested in such work. But 
if we may believe "the signs of the times," a period has arrived in the intel- 
lectual development of our country when historical subjects can scarcely be 
claimed as belonging exclusively to a small class of people. General attention 
has heen aroused ; and it therefore seems a^iitable time to direct the public 
mind to such work as has been done to commemorate the deeds of the founders 
of our Republic, and to stimulate an interest which may lead to the full 
accomplishment of a much-neglected work, by which every revolutionary 
battle-ground in the country shall be marked with a suitable monument, and 
the most noted become public parks, belonging to the Government, which is 
an evolution whose beginning was on these fields of heroism. 

A love of peace, even a belief in the future of arbitration without war, 
cannot lessen the glory of martial deeds in the past. As we know that no great 
principle of right can be upheld and propagated without struggle, self- 
sacrifice and contest of some kind, we know also that such contest in the past 
was necessarily by force of arms. Therefore it is not war in itself, with its 
paeons of victory which attracts us, but those underlying principles which 
are still working out the best destiny of our race and country. 

One of the leading minds of America has declared that history is a 
science. No science can be so well studied and advanced as by its application 
to individual localities. It is in the pursuit of local history that the most 
reliable facts are developed. The faithful chronicle of the town or village or 
neighborhood becomes, in time, the gem of a great collection. The aggrega- 
tion of such records make up the truth of history. It is, then, desirable that 
inducements should be offered to persons who reside in historical localities to 
preserve and value all which relates to the past. Monuments and historic 
tablets are the natural, the most simple, method of education ; money lavished 
on them is money saved for future generations. Let our hurrying crowds 
pause for a time before the monument or the tablet ; they will have rest of 
mind, of body, of nerves, and above that they will find incentive for nobler 
action beyond. 



PKEFACE. 



A record of the experience of an association should be as useful as the 
biography of an individual. With this thought I have obtained the consent 
of the Saratoga Monument Association to publish a sketch of its proceedings 
from the begmning, which have resulted in the erection of a beautiful, unique 
and appropriate Monument at a reasonable expense, and the marking of 
many points of interest on the battle-ground, which at Saratoga covers so 
large an area. 

The eminent men who in the past, and who still, represent this work, 
acted with the same steadfast, self-sacrificing spirit which inspired the work 
of those whom it commemorates ; and it is to be hoped that their example will 
be an inspiration to others to imitate their patriotism. 

The habit of visiting battle-grounds, so long established in Europe, has 
small following in America. It is, therefore, considered well to add to the 
account of the battles and the battle-fields a guide and a map of drives which 
will assist visitors in finding the several places of historical interest. The ac- 
companying map of the third period of Burgoyne's campaign has been pre- 
pared with much care from the military maps of General Burgoyne's officers, 
found in the State Library at Albany, and compared with late topographical 
maps of that region. 

I cannot close these preliminary words without expressing my great 
indebtedness to the Secretary of the Saratoga Monument Association, Mr. 
William L. Stone, for his material aid and his encouragement. The history 
of the earlier years of the Association, from 1856 to 1878, is entirely his 
work, which was published in 1879, and he has afforded every facility for a 
correct record of the remaining years. 

By no one person has the work of this Association been more advanced 
than by Mr. Stone. His enthusiasm has been unabated and his labors unceas- 
ing. In the meantime, he has made a rare and remarkable collection of 
books, maps and manuscripts relating to the Burgoyne campaign, of priceless 
value ; and this has doubtless furnished him largely with the data for his valu- 
able and most interesting " History of Burgoyne's Campaign," published by 
Joel Mnnsell's Sons, of Albany. 

To the architect of the Monument, Mr. J. C. Markham, whose ancestor* 
fought on the fields of Saratoga, I am indebted for the use of his original 
designs of historic tablets, and for many valuable services. To all of the 
officers of the Association I offer earnest thanks for their unfailing courtesy 
and kindness. 

E. H. W. 

* Jeremiah Markham, of Middletown, Conn., was in command of a companyin Learned's brigade. 
This company, with others, was stationed on the river-road near Bemus's Tavern, with orders to "hold 
it at all hazards." In the defense, Markham was severely and It was thought mortally wounded in the 
head. While being carried to the rear he shouted to his men: " Stand your ground; remember your 
homes." He recovered and lived many years afterward, dying in 1837, at Plymouth, Conn. 




GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN. 

From a portrait in the possession of Mrs. V. N. Taylor, Washington, D. C. 



\ 



THE BATTLE OF SAEATOGA 



BURGOYNE AND THE NORTHERN CAMPAIGN. 1777 



THE Campaign of Burgoyne, with its attendant circumstances, has had so 
much light thrown upon it by skillful writers that its review at the 
present time may seem unnecessary — even presumptuous. Yet, as 
artists of greater or less capacity are encouraged to repeat a theme, made famil- 
iar by the works of great masters, so, perhaps, may be justified this attempt 
to portray again the great historical drama that opened so exultingly in June, 
177Y, near the banks of the St. Lawrence river, and terminated amid so many 
tragic elements in October of the same year, on the banks of the Hudson. 

Few important events have occurred in the history of the world, which, 
in unity of purpose and culminating interest, are more intensely dramatic ; 
and few have occupied so vast a theatre. For its northern boundary we must 
enter Canada at the Three Rivers, where the British and German winter 
encampment was deserted ; on the west we find the famous carrying place of 
the Indians between the head waters of the Oswego and the Mohawk, where 
stood Fort Stanwix, an important point in the action ; on the east were the 
Hampshire Grants, just molding themselves into an organized government, 
where the British met their first repulse ; and toward the south, in the 
Jerseys, those momentous manoeuvres took place that formed a huge side-play 
to the stirring events further northward ; the main armies there were but 
holding each other in check, while the over-confident English forces from 
Canada poured through that unhinged gateway of the north, Ticonderoga, 
and swept on southward to meet their final fate in the picturesque region 
of Old Saratoga. 

We, of the present time, can easily picture to ourselves the magnificent 
stage on which these events took place ; we, who so often traverse this region 



8 BATTLE OF SARATOGA 

by land and water ; passing through the lovely valley of the Mohawk from 
Albany to Lake Ontario ; thence skirting the great northern wilderness, as we 
sweep around it by water into the borders of Canada, and from there return- 
ing through the grand river-like Lake Champlain to Whitehall, the old 
Skenesborough. Again we pass over fair hills, and by the historic Wood 
Creek to Fort Edward, and thence by romantic carriage rides, or on the lazy 
canal, to the mouths of the Mohawk, and to Albany again. Hence, resting 
on the tranquil waters of the broad Hudson, our sumptuous boat is soon borne 
onward past the Highlands, past the fire-ravaged town of Kingston; and 
lower down, where we look for the sites of Forts Montgomery and Clinton, 
and where Putnam stood guard at Peekskill. We are stirred by memories of 
the anxieties, the hopes, the fluctuations of despair and joy that swayed our 
countrymen of that time ; and we are not unmindful of the agony of longing 
with which the ambitious Burgoyne listened for one sound of victory, or of 
hearty co-operation from this region, while he clung to his last foothold before 
the victorious army of the Patriots. Landing at New York, our imagination 
still filled with these visions of the past, we naturally turn to the western 
shores of the bay ; there the names that float so vaguely in our minds — Mor- 
ristown, Middlebrook, Quibbletown, and Brunswick — seem suddenly vivified, 
and resolve themselves into a hieroglyphic that reads : " Remember Washing- 
ton ! " It was his grasp of large events, his steadfastness of purpose, and his 
firm directing rein, that brought into harmony and effect the conflicting and 
seemingly inefficient forces that made the closing scene of this spectacle a 
triumph that astonished the world. 

The importance of this triumph upon the fortunes of the American 
struggle for Independence is undisputed. The Battle of Saratoga is declared 
upon high authority to be one of the fifteen decisive battles of the world. 
The reactionary feeling it called forth in the Colonics, after the disasters and 
anxieties of the campaign of the previous year in Canada, strengthened public 
sentiment in favor of the patriotic cause, r.nd filled the depleted ranks of the 
army. It led directly to the indispensable assistance received from France, 
and thus to the later recognition of other foreign Governments. As m the 
last French and English war, the campaign of 1Y59, which embraced the 
rocky heights of Quebec, the great water line of New York, and the western 
posts on the great lakes, was the decisive campaign ; so by this one of 1777, 
similar in construction, it was proposed by the English King and his 
American Minister, Lord Germaine, to divide and crush the Colonies, and 
terminate the war. 



BATTLE OF SARATOGA 9 

General Biirgojne, who had witnessed the battle of Bunker Hill, and had 
watched with critical judgment the cautious movements of Sir Guy Carleton 
during the year 1776, had in the latter part of that year returned to England 
and held long consultations with the King and Germaine. Burgoyne brought 
his military knowledge and experience and his brilliant intellectual powers 
into play in depicting to them the wisdom and efficiency of Amherst's cam- 
paign of 1759. May he not also have held in his fervid imagination some 
picture of himself in the near future receiving such honors as had been 
awarded to Amherst ? We know the result of those consultations ; how a 
definite and explicit plan was formed in England by which every particular 
in regard to the movement of troops in Canada was specified, even to the 
number that should garrison each successive post ; how Sir Guy Carleton was 
ignored, and ordered to hand over the army of invasion to General Burgoyne ; 
and how, upon leaving the Canadian boundaries, that army was to be wholly 
independent of Carleton. Orders were also forwarded to Sir William Howe, 
at New York, to co-operate with this enterprise by proceeding up the Hudson 
river to join Burgoyne at Albany. These orders do not appear to have been 
so peremptory as those which were to control the northern division of the 
army ; at least Lord Howe interpreted them very freely. He not only sailed 
south, toward Philadelphia, with the main army, while Burgoyne was pushing 
toward him from the north, but he left Sir Henry Clinton at New York with 
purely discretionary powers in regard to such co-operation. 

It was also arranged by Lord Germaine that an expedition should be sent 
to Fort Stanwix by way of Lake Ontario, which should make its way thence 
through the Mohawk valley to Albany ; and St. Leger was designated as the 
proper person for its command. The New England Colonies were also to be 
threatened with invasion ; upon tliis order General Burgoyne based very 
strongly his defense, before the Parliamentary Committee, of his disastrous 
movement upon Bennington. 

It is thus seen that the culmination of this grand scheme was directed 
against the very heart — the vital existence of the great province of New 
York, even then the most important, the most vigorous of those thirteen 
young giants who stood so sullenly, defiantly, and yet reluctantly at bay to 
receive the blow that would decide whether they should submit to the unrea- 
sonable demands of a tyrannical parent, or remain free for the development 
of a full manhood. 

When Burgoyne arrived at Quebec, in May, he found Carleton ready to 
aid him with alacrity, and in a very short time the troops that had been in 



10 



BATTLE OF SARATOGA 



winter quarters and the newlj -arrived reinforcements — the Canadian Pro- 
vincials and the Indian allies — M-ere in readiness for a forward movement. 
Burgoyne ordered the sick and the baggage to be left at Three Rivers, and the 
whole army to concentrate at St. Johns. This was accomplished by the 12th 
of June, and here, on that day, around a sumptuous dinner, sat Sir Guy Carle- 
ton, Generals Burgoyne, Riedesol, PhiUips, Friizer and other officers of rank. 
While still at the table a message was brought informing General Riedesel of 
the long-antieiputed an-ival of his wife, the Baroness, at Quebec, and announc- 
ing to General Oarleton the approach of reinforcements for the arm}' in 
Canada. Hearty congratulations were exchanged, the wine flowed freely, and 
amid great liilarity and exultation General Cai-leton took leave of the army of 
invasion. A brilliant scene was presented by this trained and disciplined 
army of two nations, equipped with all that power, wealth and skill could 
devise and procure, and accompanied by artillery unparalleled at that time for 
efficiency and splendor. As the guns roared out their farewell salute, and the 
different corps moved back and forth in their preparations to embark, the 
earth shook as though she would hasten tlieir departure ; and as they floated 
towards the great lake, its waters quivered under the light of a hazy mystery 
that seemed to entice them on to unimagined glories. What wonder if the 
poet-soul of Burgo}nie reveled in enchanting fancies that clothed the end in 
brightness. We have been accustomed to think of him in disgrace, as he 
yielded his sword to his victorious enemy — or to dwell on liis pompous procla- 
mations, his grandiose folhes. Another view may be taken of this hero of 
misfortunes. He made undoubted and serious sacrifices in an attempt to con- 
trol and humanize his savage allies; his high sense of honor cannot be ques- 
tioned; his calmness and discretion under unjust public opprobrium and censure 
are worthy of admiration and imitation. The brilliancy of his hope, the 
persistency of his efforts to accomplish the desired end, his unflinching 
assumption of entire responsibility, and the quiet dignity with which final 
disaster was faced and borne, render him one of the most picturesque and 
pathetic objects that fill for a moment the kaleidoscope of our revolutionary 
epoch. 

We have a graphic description of Burgoyne's army on Lake Champlain, 
given by Anburey, a young officer who accompanied the expedition, in one of 
his delightful letters to a friend. " Let me just relate," writes he, " in what 
manner the army passed up the lake, which was by brigades, generally 
advancing from seventeen to twenty miles a day, and regulated in such a 
manner that the second Brigade should take the place of the first, and so on 



BATTLE OF SAJRATOGA II 

successively, for each Brigade to fill the ground the other quitted ; the time of 
departure was always daybreak." ^ 

In another letter he writes : " I cannot forbear portraying to your imag- 
ination one of the most pleasing spectacles I ever beheld. When we were in 
the widest part of the lake, whose beauty and extent I have already 
described, it was remarkably fine and clear, not a breeze was stirring, when 
the whole army appeared at one view in such perfect regularity as to form 
the most complete and splendid regatta you can possibly conceive. In the 
front the Indians went with their birch-bark canoes, containing twenty or 
thirty each ; then the advanced corps in regular line with the gun-boats, then 
followed the Royal George and Inflexible, towing large booms — which are to 
be thrown across two points of land — with the two brigs and sloops following ; 
after them Generals Burgoyne, Pliillips and Riedesel in their pinnaces ; next 
to them the second Battalion, followed by the German Battalion ; and the 
rear was brought up with the sutlers and followers of the army. Upon the 
appearance of so formidable a fleet you may imagine they were not a little 
dismayed at Ticonderoga, for they were apprised of our advance, as we every 
day could see their watch-boats." 

While the main army from Canada was thus advancing towards Crown 
Point and Ticonderoga, St. Leger, with nearly a thousand men, regulars and 
Canadians, and Sir John Johnson with the Royal Greens, whose homes all 
lay in the beautiful valley they now wished to ravish and conquer, moved up 
the St. Lawrence and through Lakes Ontario and Oneida into Wood Creek, 
by which to approach Fort Stanwix or Schuyler. This fort was garrisoned by 
seven hundred and fifty Continental troops, and was under the command of 
the brave Colonel Gansevoort. 

Early in the year 1777 General Philip Schuyler, commanding the 
northern division of the Continental Army, had been actively engaged in 
preparations for the summer campaign in his Department. At that time he 
had informed General Washington that it would be necessary for him to have 
ten thousand additional troops to garrison Fort Ticonderoga and its adjacent 
defenses, and two thousand for important points on the Mohawk. He was 
making arrangements, under the direction and with the assistance of Wash- 
ington, to collect and provide for as large a portion of this force as possible, 
when, early in April, it became necessary for him to go to Philadelphia. 
This was in consequence of the intrigues of his enemies, who had determined 
that he should rehnquish the command of the Northern Department. Con- 
gress had just before this sent General Gates to resume the command at Ticon- 



12 BATTLE OF 8ABAT0GA 

deroga, and while General Schuyler was absent the control of the Department 
devolved upon Gates. 

General Schuyler, as second officer in rank in the Continental Army, 
commanded the defenses of Philadelphia while in that city, and was ener- 
getically engaged in that capacity ; he was also a delegate to Congress from 
New York. About the last of May resolutions were passed in Congress 
affording him an entire vindication from all charges brought against him, and 
he was given " absolute command over every part of the Northern Depart- 
ment." 

On the 3d of June he arrived in Albany and resumed his command. 
During his absence little had been done to carry forward his plans of defense, 
or to increase the little army that garrisoned the widely separated posts of the 
command. The Mohawk valley, always an object of especial care and solici- 
tude to Schuyler, had been wholly neglected. 

Upon his arrival in Albany he immediately wrote to General Herkimer to 
hold the militia of Tryon county in readiness to repel any attack from the 
west ; and he renewed his efforts to quiet and conciliate the Indians of the 
Six Nations, with whom he had great influence. 

He was soon informed of the movements of Burgoyue. His first impres- 
sion was that Burgoyue would only make a feint upon Ticonderoga, while his 
main army would march from St. Johns toward the Connecticut river,*and 
make an attempt upon the New England States, who might receive a simul- 
taneous attack on the sea coast from Lord Howe. He gave no time to idle 
surmises, however, but hurried to Ticonderoga to inspect its defenses. The 
additional works, projected at Mount Independence, opposite Ticonderoga, 
were incomplete for want of troops and artisans. Schuyler, therefore, went 
to Lake George, whence he forwarded workmen and provisions to Fort 
Independence, and then returned to Albany, to hurry forward reinforcements 
that were hourly expected from Peekskill. 

Hearing at this time of Burgoyue's certain and speedy approach toward 
Ticonderoga, he wrote most urgently to the Governor of Connecticut, the 
President of the Council of Massachusetts, and the various Committees of 
Safety, and to Washington, informing them of the impending danger, and 
asking for assistance. He also used every exertion possible to collect the 
militia of New York, with which he might advance at once to aid St. Clair, 
whom he liad placed in command of Fort Ticonderoga. General Gates had 
refused to remain in the Department after Schuyler's return, and had 
obtained a leave to return to Philadelphia. 



BATTLE OF SARATOGA 1 3 

Schuyler's appeal for reinforcements met with a languid response. Wash- 
ington alone seemed to understand the urgency of his need, and he could do 
little to augment Schuyler's insignificant army. He, however, appealed also 
to the New England States, urging upon them the danger to their own 
boundaries if Burgoyne should gain any foothold in the Northern Depart- 
ment. He also ordered Putnam at Peekskill to reinforce Schuyler with four 
Massachusetts regiments. 

At this time the main army under Washington consisted of but seven 
thousand five hundred men, many of them militia, whose terms of service 
would soon expire. With this small force, Washington, from the heights at 
Middlebrook, watched and bafiled the movements of Lord Howe, whose army, 
assembled at Brunswick, "had not its equal in the world." 

Howe's main object was to entice Washington into a general engagement, 
in which the British would have greatly the advantage. Such a victory would 
not only insure possession of Philadelphia, the principal aim of Howe's cam- 
paign, but would enable him to co-operate with Burgoyne, which he was 
willing to do, if such a movement could be made conformable to his own 
plans. 

Washington was greatly perplexed, and in much anxiety from his inability 
to solve the designs of Howe. Yet, with undisturbed self-possession, he con- 
tinued to hold the shifting army of the enemy in check. It had advanced and 
retreated ; advanced again, and had endeavored to outflank him ; but finally, 
by his untiring vigilance, his inflexible adherence to his original purpose of 
maintaining his strong position on the heights, and by the harassments to 
which he subjected the ease-loving Lord Howe, he compelled that commander 
on the 30th of June to evacuate the Jerseys with his whole army. 

Washington had written to Schuyler : " If I can keep General Howe 
below the Highlands, I think their schemes will be entirely bafiled." Even 
when Howe was known to have sailed southward, Washington surmised that 
it might be a feint to draw him toward Philadelphia, when Howe would re- 
turn and ascend the Hudson. 

It is evident that the situation of the Northern Department constantly 
occupied the attention of the Commander-in-Chief. When he was assured 
that Howe was in the capes of the Delaware, and there was no further doubt 
that Philadelphia was the point of attack, although himself in great need of 
troops and eflicient officers, he parted with Morgan's Corps of five hundred 
picked men, and sent Arnold, of whose abilities as a General he entertained a 
high opinion, to assist the Army of the North. He also directed General 



14 BATTLE OF SARATOGA 

Lincoln, then in New .England, to repair to Schuyler's command, and advised 
that he should attempt a flank movement upon Burgoyne toward the east. He 
also addressed circulars to the Brigadier-Generals of Militia in Western Massa- 
chusetts and Connecticut, urging them to march with a large part of their 
command to Saratoga, or other rendezvous designated by General Schuyler. 
To the latter he wrote, warning him against collecting large quantities of 
ammunition and other stores in forts and lines of defense. " I begin to con- 
sider lines," he writes, " a kind of trap, unless they are in passes which cannot 
be avoided by the enemy." 

We will see how the imperfect lines of defense at Ticonderoga came near 
being " a trap," in which St. Clair and his little army of three thousand men 
would have been captured but for the prompt and well-considered plan of 
retreat adopted by St. Clair. If this retreat was in some particulars disastrous, 
this misfortune should not reflect upon the commander, but on the subordi- 
nates, who, through negligence and officiousness, marred his plan, and upon 
the ill fortune that sometimes attends the best laid schemes. 

The importance attached to the occupation of Ticonderoga appears to have 
been traditionary, and without sufiicient foundation. Being considered of 
such importance, there seems to have been strange neglect and want of fore- 
sight in the various officers who succeeded each other in its command. The 
scattering and imperfect defenses were extended over more than two miles. 
Sugar Hill, " the key of the position," was not occupied. There had been 
repeated discussions among the officers as to the feasibility of fortifying this 
commanding point. Colonel Trumbull, and Generals Wayne and Arnold had 
climbed the hill, which was difficult of ascent, to satisfy themselves that a 
battery could be placed upon it. Major Stevens, the energetic officer who 
commanded the artillery at Ticonderoga, and later all the artillery in the 
N'orthern Department, had proved by a practical experiment with one of his 
guns that it should be occupied. 

Washington, upon a report of the defenses in the Northern Department, 
had condemned Fort Independence, on the opposite shore of the Lake, as 
entirely useless for the purpose of checking an enemy's progress toward the 
south, as it did not command the road to Lake George. Yet Wayne, Gates, 
Schuyler and St. Clair were equally agreed in considering it necessary to hold 
Ticonderoga and strengthen Mount Independence, and were equally negligent 
in leaving Sugar Hill exposed to the adversary. The scantiness of the gar- 
rison, the contentions among its commanders, and the final unexpected 
rapidity of Burgoyne's advance, may partly explain the apparent want of 



BATTLK OF SARATOGA I 5 

sound military judgment that caused this fortress to fall like ripe fruit into 
the hands of the invader. 

An old entrenchment on the road to Lake George was also neglected by 
the Americans ; and when Burgoyne made his appearance before Ticonderoga 
on the 4th of July, this position was immediately seized upon by General 
Frazer, and named Mount Hope, as significant of future success. 

Burgoyne had lingered a few days at Crown Point, and there on the 30th 
of June he issued the famous order, containing these words: ^^ This army 
must not retreat^ On the following morning he moved forward in battle 
array. The German battalions formed the left wing, and advanced on the east 
side of the lake until they camped in front of Mount Independence. General 
Frazer led the right wing on the west side, and the floating batteries moved in 
unison between. On the 4th of July, when Frazer had occupied Mount 
IJope, General Phillips took possession of the mills at the outlet of Lake 
George, and on the same day sent Lieutenant Twiss to reconnoitre Sugar Hill. 
Satisfied from his report that a battery could be placed upon it, he only waited 
for darkness to carry out his design. The guns were then hoisted from tree to 
tree with heavy ropes, and, writes Anburey, " General Phillips urged the work 
forward with the same vehemence with which he drove his artillery at the 
battle of Minden, when he is said to have broken fifteen canes over the 
horses." 

On the morning of July 5th St. Clair awoke to see, in the early dawn, the 
red-coats busy on the summit of Sugar Hill, planting a battery seven hundred 
feet above him, from which point they could observe every movement within 
the fort. He recognized the danger, and immediately called a council of 
ofiicers. They unanimously agreed that the evacuation of Forts Ticonderoga 
and Independence was imperative, or a surrender would soon be inevitable. 

St. Clair, quietly and expeditiously, made arrangements to begin the 
retreat on the same night. The troops were permitted to believe that a sortie 
was intended, and firing was continued through the day to deceive the enemy. 
Above the floating bridge that connected the forts a boom had been placed to 
obstruct the navigation of the lake. It was supposed that this would delay 
the British gunboats, so that the American batteaux might reach Skenes- 
borough in safety. As soon as darkness rendered it discreet, the wounded and 
women, together with the stores and ammunition, were embarked on two 
hundred of these batteaux. They were escorted by five armed galleys and six 
hundred men, under the command of Colonel Long. It was a bright moon- 
light night, but they got under way in safety ; as they proceeded leisurely up 



t6 ~ BATTLE OF SARATOGA 

the lake, tliey indulged in much merriment and exultation over their quiet 
and expeditious escape. 

St. Clair, with the main body of the troops, also passed safely and undis- 
covered over the floating bridge, where they were joined by the garrison from 
Mount Independence. All were under full retreat, when, most unfortunately, 
the house that had been occupied as headquarters by General de Fertnois, who 
commanded Independence, was fired, and the brilliant flames lighted up the 
entire columns of the retreatmg forces. The British sentinels immediately 
gave the alarm. By day-break the British flag floated over both forts, and in 
a few hours General Frazer was in close pursuit of the Americans. 

On the morning of the 7th Frazer's Indian scouts came upon the rear 
guard of St. Clair's army, under Colonels Warner and Francis, at Hubbardton. 
General Frazer made an impetuous attack, which Warren resisted with great 
spirit. He was nobly seconded by Colonel Francis, who three times charged 
the enemy at the head of his regiment. On one of these occasions his men 
came into action singing the hymns familiar to them in their village churches. 
This induced the British to believe that reinfo^-cements had arrived; they were 
yielding ground when General Riedesel, who had been awaiting, the arrival of 
his grenadiers for two hours with great impatience, now brought them forward 
with colors flying, while they sang the resonant battle hymns of the Germans. 
Under the first onslaught with their bayonets. Colonel Francis fell, fatally 
wounded, and the exhausted Americans were compelled to leave the field. 
They had crippled the enemy sufficiently to check further pursuit, and had 
caused them heavy losses of men and officers. Among the wounded was 
Major Ackland, whose painful walk afterwards down the steep, wooded hill, 
upon which the battle was fought, is touchingly related by the officer who 
assisted him. It was in consequence of this wound that Lady Ackland shortly 
afterward joined him at Skenesborough. 

While the contest was in progress at Hubbardton, St. Clair ordered Colonel 
Hale with his regiment to reinforce Warner and Francis. Hale disobeyed 
orders, and with his men was soon afterwards captured by the enemy. St. 
Clair, hearing now that Burgoyne had possession of Skenesborough, pushed 
into the woods eastward, and made a circuitous route to Fort Edward, where 
he arrived on the 12th. 

The batteaux of the American flotilla from Ticonderoga had just touched 
at Skenesborough, when heavy firing was heard in their rear. The British 
had speedily disposed of the obstructing boom and followed the flotilla up the 
lake. The Americans, confused and panic-stricken, abandoned all the stores 




WOMEN OF THE REVOLUTION, 1776. 
Interior of Saratoga Monument. 



BATTLE OF SARATOGA 



17 



they had brought with so much care, and fled towards Fort Anne. Before 
leaving they set fire to the houses, mills and other buildings at Skenes- 
borough ; the flames spread into the pine forests on the surrounding hills, 
which, as the British approached, presented a scene of unsurpassing grandeur 
and desolation. 

The retreating force separated, one party making its way through Wood 
Creek, and the remainder, under Colonel Long, pushing through the woods to 
Fort Anne, where he determined to make a stand. When the British 
approached he returned to meet them, and posted his regiment on a narrow 
pathway near Wood Creek. As the British advanced he opened fire upon 
them, and shifting his troops from side to side of the creek, so harassed and 
confused them that they were forced to take refuge on a hill to the right. 
Here they were closely besieged for two hours. Several of their officers were 
wounded and carried into a log-house whose walls were frequently penetrated 
by the American rifle-balls ; while lying there these officers commented with 
surprise upon the daring and endurance of the rebels, whose courageous spirit 
they here encountered for the first time. When Colonel Long's little band 
was upon the very verge of victory, there suddenly sounded through the forest, 
on every side, the terrible war-whoop of the savages as they advanced by 
hundreds to reinforce the British. The Americans hurriedly secured their 
prisoners, and taking their wounded, left the hill and continued their retreat 
to Fort Edward. 

During the first days of July, General Schuyler had waited in Albany, 
with great impatience, the arrival of reinforcements from the Highlands. On 
the 7th they had not arrived, and leaving orders for them to follow, he started 
north with the small force he had collected, about fifteen hundred men. At 
Stillwater he was met with the astounding intelligence that St. Clair had 
abandoned Forts Ticonderoga and Independence without striking a blow in 
their defense, and hurrying on to Fort Edward he met Long, who could give 
him no account of St. Clair and his army. Fears were entertained that he 
had been overtaken and compelled to surrender. After a mysterious disap- 
pearance of seven days, St. Clair joined Schuyler at Fort Edward, his men 
haggard and worn with their exhausting march, but safe and resolute for 
further service. 

These misfortunes in the beginning of the campaign involved a heavy loss 
of artillery, small arms, and stores of all kinds; the consternation of the 
people who fled before Burgoyne seem still more disastrous, and Schuyler's 
fortitude and composure were most severely tried. He was sustained and 



1 8 BATTLE OF SARATOGA 

encouraged by constant despatches from "Washington, who writes at one time: 
" We should never despair. If new difficulties arise we must only put forth 
new exertions;" and again he expresses an earnest sympathy for Schuyler 
amid these thickening difficulties, and manifests his unwavering confidence in 
his ability to overcome them. With unflagging energy Schuyler exerted 
himself to delay the enemy while endeavoring to collect a sufficient force to 
meet him with some reasonable prospect of success. 

Burgoyne now had his headquarters at the house of a noted loyalist, Colonel 
Skene ; the victories he anticipated appeared to fall into his hands as the 
natural result of his well-laid schemes. The frightened patriots trembled at 
his approach, and Colonel Skene assured him that hundreds of loyalists were 
waiting for an opportunity to join his advancing army. Skene was an old 
resident, a large land owner, and was supposed to exert an extended influence ; 
much weight was therefore attached to his opinion. 

Burgoyne was greatly elated, and on the tenth of July ordered a Thanks- 
giving service to be read " at the head of the line, and at the head of the 
Advanced Corps, and at sun-set on the same day, a feu de joie to be fired 
with cannon and small arms at Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Skenesborough 
and Castleton." 

He had now reached the close of the " first period of this campaign," as 
he divided it in his " State of the Expedition," written after his return to 
England. These three divisions we may appropriately consider, from an 
artistic point of view, as the three acts in this great drama. The second one 
extended from this time to Burgoyne's passage across the Hudson river, near 
the Batten Kill, on the thirteenth of September. 

General Schuyler remained at Fort Edward until he had effectually 
obstructed the pathway from Skenesborough, where Burgoyne now lingered. 
Huge stones were rolled into Wood Creek, and trees felled across it ; bridges 
were destroyed, and the forests leveled across the roads. The surrounding 
country was stripped of forage and the cattle driven off, so that the enemy 
would be compelled to rely upon his base of operations for provisions ; this 
proved a serious obstacle to Burgoyne's advance. Having accomplished these 
purposes, Schuyler fell back to Fort Miller, on the east side of the river, and 
again paused to destroy the road over which he had just passed. He then 
retreated to Stillwater, and reinforcements coming in but slowly, he finally 
encamped his little army near the mouths of the Mohawk, but maintained his 
headquarters at Stillwater. 

At Skenesborough Burgoyne first faced the difficulties of his position. 



BATTLE OF SARATOGA 



19 



His force was reduced in order to garrison the forts already taken, Carleton 
having refused to send troops for that purpose. In preparing to march 
through an unfamiHar wilderness, he found that the necessity of carrying 
provisions and dragging artillery, while engaged in cutting a passage and 
constructing roads, would seriously retard his progress. He was not dis- 
couraged, but pushed on vigorously. The troops suffered greatly during 
their severe labors from the excessive heat and innumerable insects. It was, 
therefore, with a feeling of intense relief that they arrived at Fort Edward 
on the thirteenth of July. Both officers and men were inspired with enthu- 
siasm upon thus obtaining their first sight of the Hudson River, so long the 
object of their desires and hopes. 

Burgoyne remained here, and at Duer's House, not far distant, until 
September 10th, his difficulties and preplexities constantly increasing. His 
requisition for horses and wagons, upon which his army was so dependent, 
had been imperfectly filled. It seemed impossible to accumulate sufficient 
provisions for a long and rapid march. Instead of the friendly and helpful 
inhabitants who he imagined would flock to his quarters, there was abso- 
lute coldness on the part of the inhabitants, or the desolation of deserted 
homes. His Indian allies were insubordinate and troublesome, and soon the 
murder of Jane McCrea by a party of these savages aroused and intensified 
the hostile feeling of the Colonists. His own humane and honorable senti- 
ments were shocked and disgusted by this incident. It was impossible for 
him to dispense with the services of these wild creatures, from whom so 
much was expected by the Home Government. He satisfied himself by 
imposing stringent orders upon their movements. This created a general 
discontent, and they soon began to desert him by hundreds. In the midst of 
these anxieties he received intelligence of the arrival of St. Leger before 
Fort Stanwix. 

According to his original plan, he must now move immediately down the 
river to co-operate with St. Leger, or at least make a diversion in his favor. 
An expedition was therefore proposed that, it was thought, would answer 
many important purposes. "^ Burgoyne was informed by Colonel Skene that 
at Bennington the Americans had collected many horses, and large stores 
of every kind for the use of the northern army. Skene also reiterated his 
assurances concerning the loyalists, who would, by such a movement, secure 
the opportunity for which they waited to join the British army. So confident 
were the officers of the truth of these statements of Skene, that when the 
Americans of Stark's command came creeping around the flanks of the 



20 BATTLE OF SARATOGA 

British at Bennington for their first attack, they were allowed to advance 
under the impression that they were loyalists, who thus sought access to the 
British camp. This expedition was also intended to mislead Schuyler into 
the belief that New England was the object of Burgoyne's efforts. 

Colonel Baum was sent with a body of German grenadiers, English marks- 
men, Canadians and Indians, to make an attack upon Bennington, and secure 
the much needed horses and provisions. He set out on the 13th of August, 
and so eager was General Burgoyne in regard to the success of this enterprise 
that he rode after Baum to impress his orders upon him verbally. 

The people of Bennington were apprised of Baum's approach. It hap- 
pened, fortunately, that General Stark had refused to leave his neighborhood 
and join General Schuyler at Stillwater, having recently received a slight 
from Congress, which seems indeed to have had a disposition to ignore or 
wound the most active officers of the Continental Army. Stark immediately 
called out the militia, and rallied his brigade ; he also dispatched a message to 
General Lincoln, at Manchester, to forward reinforcements. On the morning 
of the 14th he marched out of Bennington. When about six miles on the 
road, he encountered the British, and a sharp skirmish took place, in which 
several of the enemy were killed and wounded. Baum now posted himself 
on a hill, and began to entrench his camp, while he sent a messenger to Bur- 
goyne for reinforcements. A heavy rain prevented an engagement on the 
fifteenth, but there was constant skirmishing. The New Englanders, now 
thoroughly aroused to the danger of invasion, flocked hurriedly and in large 
numbers to the American camp. 

On the morning of the 16th a bright sun dispersed all threatening clouds, 
and Stark, although without artillery or bayonets, prepared to attack Baum in 
his entrenchments. He sent a detachment to the rear of the enemy's left, and 
another to the rear of his right. Simultaneously with the attack from these 
divisions. Stark, at the head of his column, exclaimed : " There are the red- 
coats ; before night they must be ours, or Molly Stark's a widow," and rushed 
upon the entrenchments with impetuous fury. The Germans defended their 
works steadily and bravely, but the Canadians and Indians were soon driven 
in upon them ; and the Americans pressing up to the very mouth of the 
cannon, continued the contest with a frenzied determination. They cap- 
tured the guns, and forced the Provincials and Indians to retreat pre- 
cipitously. The Germans had now exhausted their ammunition ; they 
resorted to their bayonets and broad-swords, and attempted a retreat 
through the woods. The Americans pursued hotly ; many of the enemy 



BATTLE OF SARATOGA 21 

were killed and wounded, among the former Colonel Baum. All who 
survived were taken prisoners. 

At this critical moment Colonel Breyman came upon the ground with his 
Germans and renewed the attack upon Stark's exhausted forces. Colonel 
Warner now arrived from Bennington with his regiment, fresh and vigorous. 
It was late in the afternoon when this second action began ; it was continued 
until dark, the enemy retreating slowly, and making a stand from place to 
place. Stark followed up his victory as long as there was a ray of light to 
expose the enemy. "Another hour of daylight, and he would have captured 
the whole body." Breyman continued his retreat under cover of the night, 
leaving his baggage and artillery in the hands of the Americans. 

This victory, so complete and inspiriting to the Americans, was equally 
disastrous and disheartening to the British. Like the glorious sunshine of 
that summer day, it ripened the growing fruit of patriotism in the hearts of 
the colonists; and like the dreary night that followed it, shadowed the 
despondency of the English, and made darker the forebodings that began to 
cluster around the anxious heart of Burgoyne. Its practical results were an 
acquisition of one thousand stand of arms, and many field-pieces. Nearly 
six hundred privates and thirty-two officers were made prisoners of war. 

In the meantime, on the 3d of August, St. Leger had appeared before 
Fort Stanwix and demanded its surrender. Colonel Gansevoort paying no 
attention to this summons, St. Leger began to fortify his camp, and bring 
forward his artillery through Wood Creek, preparatory to a regular siege. 
He also sent detachments in various directions to cut off the garrison from the 
surrounding country. 

General Herkimer, acting under Schuyler's orders, was advancing to the 
relief of Colonel Gansevoort ; he sent messengers to apprise that commander 
of his approach, and directed that signal guns should be fired upon the arrival 
of the men in the fort ; a sortie was to be made at the same time, and under 
this diversion he would hasten forward. The messengers were delayed many 
hours on the road, and the officers under Herkimer became impatient for an 
advance. Herkimer urged the necessity of waiting for the preconcerted 
signal, but in vain ; the officers continued their unreasonable appeals, and 
finally taunting him with cowardice or disloyalty, impelled him to a move- 
ment that his judgment did not approve. 

Brant, wlio led the Indians under St. Leger, was informed by his sister of 
Herkimer's approach. An ambuscade was planned. While Herkimer's van 
guard was crossing a ravine on a narrow causeway, Hear Oriskany, the 



22 BATTLE OF SARATOGA 

concealed Indians suddenly assailed them on either side, and a desperate 
contest ensued. It lasted several hours, the Americans defending them- 
selves with resolute bravery, and the Indians killing the wounded and 
prisoners like veritable demons of the forest, Herkimer was seriously 
wounded, but had himself propped against a tree and continued to give his 
orders and urge on his troops. British regulars were brought on the field, 
who repeatedly charged with the bayonet, but were steadily repulsed. 

A heavy rain checked the contest, but it was soon renewed more des- 
perately than ever, and became one of the most terrific hand to hand fights 
of the war, Johnson's Royal Greens found opportunity to gratify many 
long-cherished animosities, as their opponents were their old neighbors of the 
Valley, and the Indians were excited to unusual ferocity. These last were 
finally driven back, and fled, and their supporters hearing firing in their rear 
returned to their camp. 

While this contest was in progress, the messengers had reached G-an- 
sevoort, who ordered a sortie upon the enemy's camp. This was successful, 
and the whole camp equipage and stores of the Loyalists were secured and 
brought into the fort. 

Congress had just adopted the Stars and Stripes as the National ensign. 

One of the officers at Fort Stanwix now made an American flag of a 
white shirt and some bits of red cloth ; the blue field was made of an over- 
coat belonging to Captain Swartout, of Dutchess County. This uncouth 
emblem was the first American flag that waved over a British standard ; the 
colors just captured at the British camp being placed in this ignoble 
position. 

St. Leger now caused exaggerated accounts of the American losses at 
Oriskany to be sent into the fort, and again demanded a surrender. Ganse- 
voort again treated the summons with contempt, when St. Leger pressed the 
siege and advanced his lines. 

On the tenth two officers were dispatched by Gansevoort to make their 
way through the lines, and obtain assistance from Schuyler. At great risk, 
and after enduring many hardships, they reached Stillwater. Schuyler wished 
to respond immediately to this demand, but many of his officers objected ; 
they urged the imprudence of lessening the force with which Burgoyne's 
army must be met. Schuyler felt justly indignant with this selfish disregard 
of the critical situation of the heroic Gansevoort. He assumed the entire 
responsibility of forwarding a detachment, and Arnold volunteered his 
senaces for its command. He was soon in the valley of the Mohawk with 



BATTLE OF SARATOGA 



23 



eight hundred men ; his progress was not rapid enougn to satisfy his impatient 
spirit, which reached forward in eager devices to foil the enemy, and encour- 
age the besieged. He dispatched messengers to Gansevoort, assuring him of 
relief, and with great adroitness caused rumors of the advance of a large 
force to be circulated in St. Leger's camp. These rumors were repeated and 
exaggerated, until the Indian allies became alarmed and ungovernable. They 
seized upon the l)lankets and otlier effects of the British officers, and com- 
menced a hasty retreat. St. Leger, believing the Americans were close upon 
him, left his camp, and followed his retreating allies, abandoning his guns 
and baggage to the exultant patriots, who were now relieved of all apprehen- 
sion. Arnold was forty miles from Stanwix at this time, and upon hearing 
of the ignominious flight of the British, retraced his steps to join the army 
under Schuyler. 

This army was rapidly increasing ; the long expected regiments from the 
Highlands had arrived ; the New York Militia had rallied nobly ; and the 
New En glanders, excited by the victory at Bennington, were on their way to 
the camj) with their jubilant brigades ; Arnold, with an augmented division, 
was approaching. The country was buoyant with hope — an exaggerated reac- 
tion after the depression of the early summer. Schuyler was at last in a 
position to begin offensive operations ; he might now see the development of 
his well laid schemes ; he would soon be able to point exultantly to the result 
of his toil, his patience, to the unappreciated difficulties now conquered. 
Such we may imagine General Schuyler's thoughts, as he sprang on his horse 
one bright morning in August, at the door of his stately mansion in Albany, 
when about to meet his officers for a consultation in regard to an advance 
movement of his army. As his charger moved restlessly under the rein, an 
officer approached with an official document. Schuyler, ever on the alert, 
checked his horse to examine the dispatch. It contained the resolutions of 
Congress that deprived him of his command. This, in the face of the enemy, 
and at the turning point of his fortunes ! 

A momentary movement of the lip, and a lifting of the eyebrows 
— then a deepening of the firm lines about the mouth, were the only 
signs of suppressed emotion. With a graceful bow to the waiting 
officer, the deeply injured Commander rode quietly on to his head- 
quarters. When surrounded by his officers he explained the dispatch, and 
simply said : " Until the country is in safety, I shall stifle my resentment." 
He kept his word, and with unremitting energy continued to perform 
the arduous duties of his command, until his successor arrived. In a few 



24 BATTLE OF SARATOGA 

days this successor, General Gates, appeared at head-quarters, where he 
was received and entertained by General Schuyler with unexampled mag- 
nanimity and dignity. 

Kosciusko, the Polish engineer, was sent by General Gates to reconnoitre 
and select a position for the proposed advance camp of the Americans. He 
decided that Bemis Heights, four miles above Stillwater, was the most favor- 
able point. The army was soon afterward encamped at that place, and a line 
of entrenchments constructed for its defense. 

The defeat of Baum, and the failure of St. Leger, by successive strokes, 
had paralyzed the right and left arms of Burgoyne's force, and he now strug- 
gled forward with the maimed body of his army, amid ever thickening 
danger. Yet undismayed, he assiduously endeavored to carry out his original 
design, and obey the orders of Germaine and the King. Having collected 
provisions for a thirty days' march, he dispatched a messenger to Kew York 
with entreaties for a movement to be made from that direction. He then left 
Duer's House, and moved his army steadily forward to Batten Kill, where he 
encamped on the night of the twelfth of September. Finding that his 
officers were reluctant to cross the river, he assumed the entire responsibility 
himself, and on the 13th and 14tli passed the whole army over the Hudson on 
a bridge of boats, enforcing his order, " This army must not retreat." They 
continued their march down the river, and encamped on the north side of 
Fish Creek. Here, in sight of Old Saratoga, which lay on the south side of 
the stream, closed the " second period of the campaign," and with dramatic 
propriety the curtain falls upon another act, which in its progress has already 
indicated the direction of coming events. 

Here also, on the night of the 14th of September, Burgoyne's encamp- 
ment rested on the very spot where, a few weeks later, his surrender took 
place. This place was several miles above the battle-field of Bemis Heights. 
From a hill on the east side of the Hudson, Colonel Colburn, of the Conti- 
nental Army, reconnoitred this camp. Perched in the forks of a tall tree, he 
counted through his field-glass eight hundred tents ; watched the army prepare 
for and start on its forward march, and then hastened to Stillwater to make 
his report to Gates. 

Burgoyne'e orders at this time prove the intensity of his anxiety, his 
constant anticipation of an attack, and his determination to press on at all 
hazards. On the fourteenth of September, they read, " During the next 
marches of the army, the corps are to move in such a state as to be fit for 
instant action. It is a standing order for the rest of the campaign, that all 




GENERAL SCHUYLER TRANSFERRING IIIS COALMAND TO GENERAL GATES. 

Interior of Saratoga Monument. 



BATTLE OF SARATOGA 2^ 

pickets and guards are under arms an hour before daylight, and remain so 
until it is completely light." 

On the fifteenth he says, " The army are to march in three columns after 
having passed Schuyler's house — The provisions to be floated down under the 
care of Captain Brown — The hospitals to move as quick as carts can be 
provided for them — The bridge to be broke up and floated down immiediately 
after the army is marched." And later in the day, at Dovogat, " The whole 
line to lie accoutred to-night." 

Here, at Dovogat, he remained two days, while his working parties 
repaired bridges and otherwise cleared the way for his artillery and baggage. 
Quietness and gloom hung about the heavy columns of his army. No drums 
were beat or trumpets sounded ; mysteriously, laboriously and persistently 
this strictly disciplined army was held to its course by the dogged determina- 
tion and the impelling will of its commander. Orders were rigid and imperi- 
ous. " The first soldier caught beyond the advance sentries of the army will 
be instantly hung. The baggage will remain loaded, as the army Avill march 
as soon as the bridges are repaired ; " and at Sword's house on the seventeenth, 
his orders read, " The whole army to lie accoutred, and be under arms before 
daybreak, and continue so until it clears up." 

The position chosen for the American camp, where Gates had determined 
to await an attack, was on a spur of hills that approached the river bank. At 
their base, on the river, stood Bemis' house, used by Gates as head-quarters 
for a few days ; he afterwards moved on the hill. Earthworks were thrown 
across the narrow meadow between the hill and the river ; they covered the 
old road, and the bridge of boats communicating with the east side of the 
Hudson. The heights were to the north and west. Breastworks were pro- 
jected toward the north, in a semi-circle, for three-quarters of a mile. 
Redoubts were established at intervals. A barn built of heavy logs, belong- 
ing to the Neilson farm, which lay within the works, was converted into a 
rude but strong fortification. A thickly wooded ravine formed a natural 
defense along the front of the camp, and Mill Creek swept through a deeper 
ravine, a little to the north. Gates occupied, with the right wing, the river 
hills and the defile between these and the river ; Morgan, of Arnold's division, 
the left wing, camped on the heights nearly a mile back from the river, and 
Learned occupied the elevated plain as centre. 

Arnold, with fifteen hundred men, was now constantly skirmishing with 
the enemy, and doubtless gave occasion for many of the sharp, concise orders 
issued by Burgoyne, who was constantly harassed, and often compelled to use 



26 BATTLE OF SARATOGA 

a whole regiment to protect a small working party. On the seventeenth he 
was at Sword's house, where he encamped and prepared for battle. 

At eleven o'clock on the morning of the nineteenth of September, 
General Burgoyne advanced towards the American camp with his army in 
three columns. The left commanded by Riedesel, and composed of the 
German regiments, with Phillips and his artillery moved on the river 
road. 

Frazer, with his own and Breyman's corps, made a detour far to the west, 
and Burgoyne, with the English regiments, took the centre and marched 
toward the heights on the right. 

The main object of Burgoyne was a union of his own and Frazer's divis- 
ions in the rear of the left wing of the American camp. The Canadians and 
Indians were to engage the attention of the Americans in front^ while Frazer 
would get in the rear of the American left by his circuitous route through the 
woods ; at a preconcerted signal, Burgoyne would make a simultaneous attack 
in the front ; Riedesel and Phillips would occupy Gates on the American 
right ; thus it was hoped they would cut off and destroy the American left 
wing, and at the same time gain an advanced position. 

Gates was told of the near approach of the enemy, but gave no orders to 
meet or prepare for them. Finally yielding to the urgent importunities of 
Arnold and others, he consented to allow the hovering Indians to be driven 
back. But for this permission, which led to the repulse of the British, 
Burgoyne's plan might have been successful. 

The American regiments behind their works were restless and eager for 
the contest, and no sooner were they permitted to move than they assailed the 
enemy with resistless impetuosity. Morgan led the way with his riflemen, 
who drove the advancing forces with such rapidity, that, for a moment, their 
commander lost sight of them. His shrill whistle soon recalled them to 
calmer work. Now following Arnold with Learned's brigade, they attempted 
to cut off the detachment of Frazer from the main army ; Frazer at the same 
time was endeavoring to reach the American rear. Both striving for the 
same object, and their movements screened by the heavy forest, they met 
unexpectedly near Mill Creek, a few yards west of Freeman's cottage. A 
furious contest followed. Arnold led with his usual spirit, while Morgan 
seemed endowed with the strength and ubiquity of a forest demi-god ; with 
his active, intelligent corps, he struck blow after blow, his men scattering like 
leaves of the autumn before a gust of the British bayonets, only to close 
again and follow up their advantage. Assailing Breyman's gtins, they captured 



BATTLE OF SARATOGA 2/ 

a cannon, and were carrying it from the field when Morgan's horse was shot 
under him ; heavy reinforcements came to relieve Frazer ; Gates still withheld 
assistance, and they were scattered once more. Arnold and Morgan now 
made a rapid counter march against Frazer's left, and in this movement 
encountered the whole English line under Burgoyne. 

They were now reinforced with four regiments, and made so vigorous 
and resolute an attack that they were on the point of severing the wings 
of the British army, when Phillips came forward with his artillery, 
and the Americans were forced back v.-ithin their lines. It was now 
three o'clock, and a lull occurred in the contest. The two armies lay each 
upon a hillside, that sloped toward a ravine, which separated them. "With 
the reinforcements conceded to Arnold, his force did not exceeded three 
thousand men ; yet, with this number, for four hours, he sustained an unequal 
conflict with the choicest English regiments, inspired by every sentiment 
that ambition or desperation could awaken, and commanded by many of the 
most accomplished and brave officers of the English Army. 

Steadily the Patriots received charge after charge of the dreaded English 
bayonets ; then, emboldened by their own endurance, they pushed upon the 
enemy in a fierce attack, to be driven again toward their own lines, "While 
victory seemed thus to sway back and forth over the little streams, which hid 
its crystal waters under the crimson flood that now crept over it, and while 
the Americans held the ascendancy, Riedesel came over the fleld at double- 
quick with his heavy Germans, and pressed the exhausted Americans back 
once more. It was now dark ; they gathered up their wounded and prisoners, 
and retired to their camp. 

The American loss in killed and wounded was about three hundred, and 
the British nearly double that number. The latter held the field, and 
claimed a victory ; it was worse than barren to them. Foiled in their main 
object, they were now burdened with many wounded ; they had tested the 
strength of the Americans, and were convinced that their own advantages of 
discipline and bayonets were perfectly counterpoised by the enthusiasm and 
courage of the Patriots. The British, who bivouaced on the field, were 
harassed until midnight by large skirmishing parties of the Americans, and 
were under arms m expectation of an attack in force. 

Arnold urged the importance of this attack with such vehemence that 
Gates took serious offense, although tie failed to tell Arnold that he was short 
of ammunition — the reason afterwards given for his refusal to follow up the 
advantage of the previous day. In his report of the battle to Congress, he 



28 BATTLE OF SARATOGA 

refrained from mentioning Arnold's name. This led to a further quarrel, 
and Arnold was deprived of his command. Gates continued to strengthen 
the defenses of his camp, while his army daily increased in numbers. 

Burgoyne encamped his whole army on the ground he had gained on the 
nineteenth, and protected it with strong entrenchments. Four redoubts were 
constructed on the river hills, at the place now called Wilbur's Basin. This 
was the northern extremity of a narrow alluvial flat that extended to Bemis' 
House, two miles below ; it widened in the centre, and narrowed again at this 
point, where the hills lay very near the river. On its banks were the 
hospitals ; they and the batteaux were covered hy a battery and earthworks ; 
similiar defenses were extended toward the west for nearly a mile to Frazer's 
camp, which was posted on the heights near Freeman's farm. North of that 
again a strong semi-circular redoubt was occupied b}" Bre^yman's artillery ; this 
protected the right flank of the entire camp ; the north branch of Mill Creek 
formed a ravine along the left front of the * camp, which thus, as in other 
particulars, resembled the entrenched camp of the Americans. 

Strongly and skillfully posted, the two armies lay face to face from the 
twentieth of September until the seventh of October. 

'* The hum of either army stilly sounds, 
That the fixed sentinels almost ^receive 
The secret whispers of each other's watch. 
Fire answers fire ; and through their paly flames 
Each battle sees the other's umbered face. 
Steed threatens steed, m high and boastful neighs, 
Piercing the night's dull ear ; and from the tents 
Rise dreadful note of preparation. " 

Our army was exultant, hopeful ; scarcely to be checked in its I'estless 
desire to drive the invader from the fruitful fields and deserted homes he 
desecrated and destroyed. Rushing out from their entrenchments under 
every plausible excuse to skirmish with the outposts of the enemy, or capture 
his pickets, the eager militia could with difiiculty be restrained by the cautious 
Gates (from bringing on the general engagement that he seemed quite willing 
to avoid. 

The other camp seemed' oppressed by the overhanging cloud of its impend- 
ing fate. The British officers, perpetually on the alert, were unable to secure 
a single night of undisturbed repose ; the men bore with quiet but sullen 
fortitude the privations and hardships of short rations, hurried snatches of 
sleep under full accoutrements, and constant calls to arms. More and more 



BATTLE OF SA.BATOGA 29 

vivid to all grew the vision of that impassable wall of diflSculties that enclosed 
them on all sides, leaving but one narrow pathway to the north ; and even 
that was being closed by an active detachment of Americans from Lincoln's 
command. They had surprised the British garrisons at Lake George and 
Ticonderoga, and had regained all the outer defenses of the latter place ; had 
captured gunboats and batteaux, and taken three hundred prisoners. 

News of this calamity soon reached Burgoyne, yet he had some compensa- 
tion in a gleam of hope that reached him from the South at the same time. 
A letter from Sir Henry Clinton was received, informing him that on the 
twentieth he would attack the forts below the Highlands, and attempt a 
further ascent of the river. Two officers in disguise were immediately 
dispatched in return to inform Clinton of the critical position of Burgoyne's 
army, and urged him to hasten to its assistance. Clinton was also assured 
that Burgoyne would endeavor to hold his present position until the twelfth 
of October. 

Lincoln, who, with a large body of militia, now joined the army at Bemis 
Heights, was placed in command of the right wing. Gates took command of 
the left, of which Arnold had been dispossessed. The latter had remained in 
camp, waiting patiently for a collision between the hostile armies. 

As Burgoyne's situation became day by day more critical, and he received 
no news from Clinton, on the fourth of October he called Generals Riedesel, 
Phillips and Frazer together in council. Riedesel was strongly in favor of a 
retreat to Fort Edward, and Frazer conceded the wisdom of such a movement; 
Phillips declined to express an opinion, and Burgoyne finally declared that on 
the seventh he would make a reconnoissance, and if he then found the enemy 
too strong to be attacked, he would immediately retreat to Fort Edward, and 
await the co-operation of the army below. 

On the sixth he had five days' rations distributed, and arranged for a 
reconnoissance in force on the following day. As he could not leave his camp 
unprotected, he only took fifteen hundred men. They were selected from 
the corps of Riedesel, Frazer and Phillips. Led by these officers in person, 
and Burgoyne as Commander-in-Chief, they marched out of camp at eleven 
o'clock on the morning of the seventh, and entered a field within three- 
quarters of a mile of the American left. Here, in double ranks, they formed 
in line of battle. 

On the left Williams' artillery and Ackland's grenadiers were posted, on a 
gentle hill in the edge of a wood that fronted on Mill Creek. Balcarras' 
light infantry and other English regiments formed the right : the Hessians 



30 BATTLE OF SARATOGA 

held the centre. Frazer, with five hundred picked men, was posted to the 
right and front of Balcarras, where a hill skirted the meadow ; he was ready 
to fall upon the rear of the American left at the first attack in front. 

Foragers were at work in a wheat field, while the English oflEicers recon- 
noitred the American left with their glasses from the top of a cabin near the 
field. An aid-de-camp conveyed this information to Gates, who said : " Order 
out Morgan to begin the game." 

Morgan had already discovered Frazer's position, had divined his design, 
and formed his own plan. Ordering an attack to be made on Balcarras in 
front, he made a circuit in the woods to fall upon Frazer from the heights 
above. It was also arranged that General Poor should assail the grenadiers on 
the British left simultaneously with Morgan's attack. Learned was to check 
the Germans in the centre. 

As the great Hudson, when suddenly loosened from his winter chains of 
ice, rushes with resistless force over all obstructions, so from their restraining 
earthworks the impetuous Americans poured furiously upon their adversaries 
in the front, while Morgan, like a mountain torrent, swept down the height 
upon Frazer's heroic band. So terrible was the onslaught that in less than 
twenty minutes the British were thrown into confusion. Frazer, in his 
brillant uniform, on a splendid war horse, rode from side to side of the right 
wing, encouraging and rallying the bewildered troops, and protecting every 
point with his fiexible five hundred. 

Burgoyne, seeing the right wing in danger of being surrounded, now 
ordered Frazer to form a second line to cover a retreat. In attempting this 
manoeuvre Frazer fell mortally wounded, and was carried from the field. 

The division under Poor, with the same impulsive vigor, dashed up the 
hill upon the artillery and grenadiers of the British left, and drove them 
from their guns. Ackland brought them back, and recaptured the guns, 
which again fell into the hands of the Americans, who rapidly turned 
them upon the enemy, and drove them flying from the field. Ackland was 
wounded in both legs. He was a large, heavy man, but an officer took him 
on his back, and ran some distance with him. The pursuit was close, and the 
officer, fearing he would be captured, dropped his friend, and hurried on. 
Ackland now called out to the flying men that he would give fifty 
guineas to any man who would carry him into camp. A tall granadier took 
him on his shoulders, but had not proceeded many steps when he and his 
helpless burden were taken prisoners. 

The Hessians still held their ground in the centre. At this moment 



BATTLE OF SARATOGA 3 1 

Arnold, maddened by his injuries, and excited into frenzy by the clash and 
roar of the battle, dashed like a meteor on the field, followed in the distance 
by Armstrong, Gates' aid-de-camp, carrying orders to compel his return. 
Stop the bison on his native plain? the swallow on its flight? More easy 
this than Armstrong's task. The genius of war thrilled Arnold's soul, as 
epic metres stir the poet, as rugged landscapes, shadowed under sunset 
lights, influence the artist's brain. Genius ever lives and conquers! It 
may be desecrated and destroyed, as Arnold buried his in ignominy; but 
while it lives and inspires its own peculiar work, it rules and is supreme. 
Thus, when Arnold waved his sword, and shouted his brief commands, 
the genius within him rung through the tones of his voice, glanced 
from the quivering flash of his sabre, and the regiments followed where 
he led — one strong will, one palpitating force. 

With two brigades he rushed upon the Hessian centre, who stood 
the shock bravely for a time, but as he dashed upon them again and 
again with a fury tliey had never before witnessed, they turned and fled in 
dismay. 

Burgoyne now took command in person, and the conflict became general 
along the whole line. Arnold and Morgan, uniting to break a strong 
point in the British ranks, would again separate to dash from one place to 
another, where orders or encouragement were necessary. Burgoyne succeeded 
Frazer as the conspicuous figure on the opposing side, and was seen in the 
thickest of the melee, under the heaviest fire. Several shots tore his clothing, 
and his aids implored him not to expose himself, but resolute and daring, he 
endeavored skillfully, but vainly, to rally his army, and hold his ground. He 
could more easily have checked a hurricane on the great prairies ; his whole 
force was driven before the storm, and swept into their entrenched camp. 
Here they made a determined stand. Arnold now took Patterson's brigade, 
and assailed Frazer's camp, where Balcarras and his light infantry had taken 
refuge. 

Charging with renewed vigor again and again up the embankment, he 
led the way over a strong abattis ; driven back from this, he attacked the 
entrenchments connecting this redoubt with Breyman's flank defense. Here 
he succeeded, and leaving the Massachusetts regiments to follow up the 
advantage at that point, he encountered a part of Learned's brigade, and 
dashed upon the strong works of the Hessian camp. Here, too, he drove 
everything before him. Capturing the cannon, the artillerists fled in conster- 
nation, and Breyman was killed on the spot. Arnold's horse was shot under 



32 BATTLE OF SARATOGA 

liim ; it fell on him, and his leg was severely wounded. He was carried from 
the field. 

The whole British camp now lay exposed to the pursuing Americans. 
Night and silence fell upon the scene. The groans of the wounded, the 
muffled words of command given for the burial of the dead, and the 
dirge-like wailing of the autumn wind in the tall pines, were the only sounds 
that followed the roar of artillery and the shouts of the victors. 

" A thousand glorious actions, that might claim 
Triumphant laurels, and immortal fame, 
Confused in clouds of glorious actions lie, 
And troops of heroes undistinguished die." 

Ah, yes ! the field of Saratoga is rich with the blood of heroes. "What 
are the few names we have recorded compared with the unnumbered hosts 
who lie under the placid hills of the Hudson — or who performed upon 
this field unnoticed deeds of valor, and passed through life unregarded and 
unnamed ! 

While the battle raged on the heights, confusion and sorrow reigned in 
and around the British camp near the river. The Baroness Kiedesel, who, 
with her little children, had joined her husband at Fort Edward, and remained 
with the army, was living at Taylor's house, above Wilbur's Basin. She 
had breakfasted with her husband at his camp on the heights, and having 
returned home, was awaiting his arrival with General Frazer and other 
officers, who were to dine with her. These pleasant anticipations were 
supplanted by grief and terror, when, at about two o'clock. General Frazer 
was brought in on a litter, desperately wounded. The table, which had 
been spread for dinner, was hastily put aside, and a bed prepared for him. 
He asked the surgeon to inform him truly of his condition, and when told he 
could live but a few hours, he exclaimed : " O, fatal ambition ! Poor General 
Burgoyne ! My poor wife ! " These brief words express forcibly the desires, 
the thoughts, and the affections of this brave man. 

The Baroness, witli her children and servants, and the wives of Major 
Harnage and Lieutenant Reynell, clustered despairingly together in one 
corner of the rooin where the dying General lay. The whole house wag 
now filled with the wounded, and Madame Riedesel soon recovering her 
composure, was actively engaged in relieving their sufferings and comforting 
her afflicted companions. Information had been brought that Major Harnage 
was wounded, and that Lieutenant Eeynell had been killed. Lady Ackland 



BATTLE OF SARATOGA 33 

occupied a tent near by, and was soon informed tliat her husband was mortally 
wounded and a prisoner. Frequently during the succeeding night the Bar- 
oness left her sleeping children, and went to the tent of her friend, to tell 
her of more encouraging rumors ; and she finally advised her to obtain 
permission to join her husband in the American camp. 

At daybreak Madame Kiedesel was informed that General Frazer was in 
his death agony; she wrapped her children in the bedclothes, and carried 
them in the hall, until the last sad scene should close. Then, returning to the 
room, she and her companions were all day long in the presence of the sheeted 
dead. 

After midnight General Lincoln from the American camp marched on 
the battle field with a large body of fresh troops, to replace the exhausted 
victors of the previous day. Burgoyne, aware of his danger if attacked in his 
exposed position, now moved his whole army hurriedly, but in good order, to 
the river bank. Here, in gloomy desperation, they were crowded together 
under the redoubts, on the morning of the eighth. 

The whole of this day was spent in heavy skirmishing between the hostile 
armies, and General Lincoln, who had not been on the field during the seventh, 
was now slightly wounded. At six o'clock in the evening. General Burgoyne, 
with Generals Riedesel and Phillips and Mr. Brudenell, the chaplain, accom- 
panied the remains of General Frazer to a large redoubt on one of the river 
hills, where they buried him, according to his dying request. The ladies at 
Taylor's house witnessed the funeral, and saw the cannon balls thrown by the 
Americans tear up the earth around the grave, while the funeral service was 
being read. In a few moments the balls ceased their flight, and the cannon 
only bellowed forth the melancholy roar of the minute guns. Gates had 
been informed of the sad ofiice in progress ; a graceful token of a soldier's 
sympathy. 

Soon after Ijhis sad scene, Lady Ackland, with the chaplain, her maid and 
her husband's valet were placed in a small boat and rowed down the river to 
the American camp, where she was soon united with her husband, whose 
wounds, though serious, were not fatal. 

Burgoyne now gave orders for a full retreat of his army, to begin at 
nine o'clock that same night, the wounded and all heavy baggage to be 
left behind. General Riedesel was ordered to lead the vanguard, and push 
on until he crossed the Hudson at the Saratoga ford, and there take a 
position behind the hills at the Batten Kill. A drenching rain poured upon 
the weary, plodding army the whole night. At Dogovat a halt was made. 



34 BATTLE OF SARATOGA 

Burgojne wavered and countermanded his orders. His last chance of retreat 
escaped him. 

" In helpless indecisions lie, 
The rocks on which we strike and die." 

The imperious commander, who had led the forward march with un- 
flinching resolution, pushing to his end without fear or hesitation, when foiled 
and sent back, for a moment shuddered, and refused to accept his fate. He 
still held his panic-stricken army under his will, and he determined once more 
to wait for the coming of the army from below ; it might yet bring him 
relief. Starting from Dovogat at daybreak, the British moved again, but 
only to encamp during the day on the heights north of the Fish Kill. The 
handsome residence of General Schuyler was burned on the way. During 
this time Colonel Fellows, with the American artillery had planted his guns 
on the hills on the east side of the Hudson, opposite the British camp. 
General Stark had also taken possession of Fort Edward above. On the tenth 
General Gates, having waited for fine weather, followed Burgoyne to Saratoga 
and encamped on the south side of the Fish Kill. His delay greatly endangered 
the detachment of Colonel Fellows, who could easily have been surrounded 
and captured ; in fact, some of Burgoyne's oflicers were anxious to make the 
attempt, but failed to obtain permission. On the morning of the eleventh, 
while the autumn mist hung heavily over Fish Kill and the adjacent grounds, 
Gates, believing that Burgoyne had continued his retreat, ordered his whole 
army to advance and cross the stream in pursuit. Without a reconnoissance or 
vanguard, the army was set in motion. The vigilant Burgoyne, having now 
staked his chances on delay, was waiting eagerly for any mistake on the part 
of his adversary. Aware of the proximity of Gates, and of his intention, he 
drew up his army, under cover of the dense fog, in battle array, on the north 
side of the stream, to receive him. The American regiments under Il^ixon 
passed over and were instantly attacked ; a severe contest followed, and Nixon 
soon discovered the British in force ; using his own judgment, and disobeying 
orders, he retreated, and checked the further progress of the army until 
communication could be had with Gates. 

Morgan had crossed the creek towards Saratoga Lake and, screened by 
the woods, posted his riflemen on the heights in the rear and flank of the 
British camp. This was strongly intrenched on the hill near the river, but 
was now entirely surrounded by the Patriots, and all communication 
destroyed either with the north or south ; and it was soon found by tlie 



BATTI-E OF 3A_BAT0GA 35 

British that their camp was exposed in every part to the fire of cannon or 
riflemen ; no approach to the river was permitted, and there was much suffer- 
ing for want of water. The sick, wounded and women were huddled together 
in a house where cannon balls tore through the walls, and rolled across the 
floor, often wounding the helpless men who lay within. Madame Riedesel, 
with her children, and the other ladies took refuge in a cellar, where hours of 
horror were endured with uncomplaining misery. 

Sir Henry Clinton, having obtained reinforcements from England, at last 
came storming up the Hudson as though he would annihilate all obstacles 
between himself and Burgoyne. He obtained possession of Fort Montgomery 
and Clinton, although they were most courageously defended by Gov. Greorge 
Clinton and his brother James, who very skillfully saved their garrisons. 
The British easily destroyed the obstructing boom across the river, and 
Putnam, deceived and alarmed by their manceuvres, left the enemy to sail 
unmolested to Albany. Satisfied with the destruction of the American vessels, 
and having burned Kingston, the seat of the Government, and ravaged the 
stately manor houses of Livingston and other aristocratic republicans, the 
Englishman returned to New York, and left Burgoyne unassisted in his 
perilous position. 

He had now only five days' rations for his army, and not a spot where he 
could hold a council of oflicers in safety. On the 13th he called them together 
to consider their desperate condition, and there " General Burgoyne solemnly 
declared, that no one but himself should answer for the situation in which the 
army found itself." Three questions were then submitted for their considera- 
tion. " 1st. Whether military history furnished any example of an army 
having capitulated under similar circumstances. 2d. Whether the capitula- 
tion of an army placed in such a situation would be disgraceful. 3d. Whether 
the army was actually in such a situation as to be obliged to capitulate." These 
were answered in the aflirmative, and there was an unanimous declaration in 
favor of capitulation. The terms of surrender were then discussed. A 
messenger was sent to Gen. G^tes, who agreed to an immediate armistice. A 
meeting of oflicers to represent the commanders of the respective armies was 
arranged to take place on the spot where Gen. Schuyler's house had stood. 

There seemed a poetic justice in this, considering the magnanimous spirit 
of Schuyler, the relentless destruction of Burgoyne, and the humiliation of 
the destroyer on the site of the ruin he had wrought. 

The terms proposed by Burgoyne required that his army, upon its sur- 
render, shoidd be marched to Boston, and from there be shipped to England. 



36 BATTLE OF SARATOGA 

Gates refused this proposition, and demanded an unconditional surrender as 
prisoners of war. Burgojne rejected these terms indignantly. 

The armistice ceased. Burgoyne prepared for the worst. 

Gates now heard of Sir Henry Clinton at the Highlands. His fears were 
aroused ; he despatched a message to Burgoyne, in which he agreed to almost 
every article of the first proposition. Burgoyne gave his assent to these terms. 
Some further negotiations were in progress in regard to points of minor im- 
portance. News of Sir Henry Clinton's expedition now reached Burgoyne. 
Again delusive hopes awoke in his heart. He hurriedly called his ofiicers 
together to consider whether they could honorably withdraw from the 
agreement to surrender. It was decided that honor held them fast, although 
the papers were not signed. On the iTth of October the capitulation, or 
convention, as Burgoyne stipulated it should be called, received the signatures 
of the two commanders. Gates and Burgoyne. 

The British army were now marched out of their camps, under their own 
officers, to a plain near old Fort Hardy, where the Fish Kill empties into the 
Hudson. Here, in the presence of only one American, an aid-de-camp of 
Gates, they laid down their arms. Generals Burgoyne, E.iedesel and Phillips 
now passed over the Fish Kill to the head-quarters of Gates, who rode out to 
meet them, accompanied by his aids. When they met, Burgoyne said : " The 
fortunes of war. General, have made me your prisoner ;" to which Gates 
replied : " I shall ever be ready to bear testimony that it has not been through 
any fault of your excellency." 

The American army were drawn up in ranks on either side of the road. 
The whole army of British prisoners, preceded by a guard bearing the stars 
and stripes and a band playing Yankee Doodle, were marched between the 
files of their victors. 

Gates and Burgoyne stood contemplating the scene. In the presence of 
both armies, General Burgoyne stepped out, and drawing his sword from its 
scabbard, presented it to General Gates ; he received it, and silently returned 
it to the vanquished General. 

The close of General Burgoyne's campaign is related with graphic force 
by a Hessian officer, whose letter may be found in the recent volume cf 
" Revolutionary Letters," by "Wm. L. Stone.* 

"Writing from Cambridge, Mass., Nov. 15, 1777, while a prisoner, he gives 
an account of the Battles of Saratoga, and referring to that of October 7th, 
says : 

* Published by MuDsell's Sous, Albany, N. Y. 






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BATTLE OF SARATOGA 37 

" To retreat seemed too hard lines for General Burgoyne. In Albany we 
had plenty of friends willing to reinforce us ; and for this reason the General 
resolved to attack the enemy, and force his way through their lines. 

"General Burgoyne was on the point of continuing the reconnoissance, 
when suddenly about four o'clock in the afternoon, the enemy threw them- 
selves upon the English grenadiers who composed the left wing, attacked 
them in front and in flank, and forced them after a stubborn resistance to give 
way. At the right wing, where the regiments under English commanders 
were placed, the same thing happened ; and simultaneously the centre under 
Colonel von Specht, and whose flanks were no longer covered, was also 
attacked. The centre stood its ground for a long time ; but as the enemy's 
regiments kept pouring in from all sides, nothing was left but to retreat. A 
more galling discharge of musketry could not be imagined. Captain Pausch 
of the Hesse-Hanan artillery afterward described to me with what frenzy the 
enemy threw themselves upon his cannon, in the very teeth of a murderous 
fire of grape. Although Capt. Pausch's desperate courage in such affairs is 
well known, yet he does not wish on that account that his " Narrative " should 
be taken as an excuse for the loss of his two 12-pounders. Old Major 
Williams, who can only be likened to an old 12-pounder himself, and who 
adores no creature on earth more than a 12-pounder — and none, by the way, 
can handle one better than him — also met with Captain Pausch's fate, witli 
this difference, however, that he was captured along with his 12-poanders.* 

" The old warrior is said to have shed tears on this occasion. The result of 
to-day's unfortunate engagement was that nearly all of our cannon were cap- 
tured, and the entire detachment had to seek safety in flight. The beaten 
corps took refuge within the large entrenchment (the Great Eedoubt) of 
Frazer's division, and although the enemy attempted to scale and enter it, they 
were met with such a determined resistance that all their efforts proved vain. 

" We were, however, to meet with another misfortune. Bellona seems to 
have been in the Yankees to-day, and Mars must either have been in a bad 
humor or have placed too tnuch confidence in old Williams and his 12-pound- 
ers. Colonel Breyman's corps covered the entire right of the army, and there- 
fore stood en jpotence. 

" Colonel Breyman was attacked in front, and defended himself bravely. 
The enemy however * * * * threw themselves from the side and rear 

* It was one of these same twelve-pounders on which Col. CSlley was a-.straddle and exulting in its 
capture, as Wilkinson describes. They are also the same twelve-pounders which have come into pos- 
session of the Saratoga Monument Assooiatlon, and will be placed on the plinth, and inside of the 
Monument. 



38 BATTLE OF SARATOGA 

upon Breyman's entrenchments. Breyman fell dead as lie stood near two 
cannon. His corps were dispersed, the greater part of them, however, retreat- 
ing into the forest, and afterwards effected a junction with Frazer's division. 
The enemy captured several cannon, set the tents on fire, and plundered the 
camp. Several oificers of the German corps were killed. * * * * 
During the night succeeding the battle we were engaged in taking down our 
tents and sending back our baggage. 

" On the 8th of October we danced a minuet backward ! and merely showed 
the enemy our teeth and claws. We did, however, considerable damage with 
our cannon. In the night we began our retreat, and arrived at Saratoga in 
the evening. Bad roads and abominable weather caused us to leave in the 
enemy's hands some baggage and a number of cannon. 

" On the afternoon of the 10th, General Gates appeared with his army, and 
stationed himself on the heights near the church at Saratoga. The Fishkill, 
which could very comfortably be waded, alone separated the two armies from 
each other. 

"On the 11th, the enemy crossed the Fishkill with several brigades, but my 
Lord Balcarras opened fire upon them with his cannon, driving them back 
with loss. They, however, captured one bateaux, some provisions and other 
articles together with one English officer and forty men. During the 11th, 
12th and 13th, the cannonading never ceased, while the fire of musketry 
between the outposts of the army was incessant. The enemy continued, with 
their superior force, to hem us in, until by the 14th of October retreat was 
impossible. Hunger stared us in the face. * * * * To force them back 
upon Albany at one coiijp was not to be thought of. The enemy, moreover, 
did not deign to attack us, as they hoped that in a few days hunger would 
compel us to surrender without the shedding of blood. To abandon our artil- 
lery and baggage, and fight our way with bayonets through the terrible wilder- 
ness back to Carillon, seemed the only thing left to us. But even this idea 
had to be abandoned. * * * ^g therefore preferred an honorable capitu- 
lation to an ignominious death. The enemy met us half way, and the 14th, 
15th and 16th, were spent in negotiating. On the evening of the 16tli both 
Generals agreed on the articles of capitulation. 

" On the 17th of October our army marched to the banks of the Hudson, 
stacked their arms (neither the enemy's ofiicers nor commissioners being in 
sight) and began our march to Boston. * * * * We passed the enemy's 
encampment, in front of which all their regiments, as well as the artillery, 
were standing under arms. Not a man of them was regularly equipped. 



BATTLE OF SARATOGA 39 

Each one had on the clothes he was accustomed to wear in the field, the tavern, 
the church, and in every-day life. Ko fault, however, could be found with 
their military appearance, for they stood in an erect and soldierly attitude. 
All their muskets had bayonets attached to them, and their riflemen had rifles. 
They remained so perfectly quiet that we were utterly astounded. Not one of 
them made any attempt to speak to the man at his side ; and all of the men 
who stood in array before us were so slender, fine looking, and sinewy that it 
was pleasant to look at them. Nor could we but wonder that Dame Nature 
had created such a handsome race ! As to their height, dear brother, the men 
averaged from 6 to 7 inches, according to Prussian measurement ; and I am 
sure I am not telling an untruth when I state that men 8 to 10 inches high 
were oftener to be seen than those of only 5,* and men of larger height were 
to be found in all the companies. * * * I am perfectly serious when I 
state that the men of English America are far ahead of those in the greater 
portion of Europe both as respects their beauty and stature. 

"In regard to the gentler sex, I will give you some details of them also 
when I arrive at Kinderhook ; and now for a space devoted to American wigs ! 
(whigs ?) 

"Few of the oflScers in Gates' army wore uniforms, and those that were worn 
were evidently of home manufacture and of all colors. For example, brown 
coats with sea-green facings, white linings, and silver dragons, and gray coats 
with yellow buttons and straw-facings, were seen in plenty. The brigadiers 
and generals had, however, uniforms to distinguish them from the rest of the 
oflicers, and wore a band around the waist to designate their respective rank. 
On the other hand, most of the colonels and other oflicers wore their every- 
day clothes. They carried their muskets (to which a bayonet was attached), 
in their hands ; their pouches or powder-horns were slung over their backs, 
and their left hand hung down by their side, while the right foot was slightly 
put forward. In one place could be seen men with white wigs, from beneath 
which long and thick hair escaped — thick lambs' tails hanging down from the 
back ; in another, the glistening black wig of an abbe surmounting some red 
and copper-colored face ; while still another, white and gray clerical-looking 
wig made of horse and goats' hair, and piled up in successive rolls. In look- 
ing at a man thus adorned one would imagine that he had an entire sheep 
under his hat, with its tail dangling around his neck. A great deal of respect 
is entertained for these wigs, not only because they are worn by all gentlemen 
composing the committees and those who are renowned for wisdom. The 

* That is, 5 feet 8, 10 and 5 incbes. 



40 BATTLE OF SARATOGA 

gentlemen who wear these different kind of wigs are mostly between fifty and 
sixty years of age, and having but recently begun to wear them, you can 
imagine what a comical appearance they cut as soldiers. The determination 
which caused them to grasp a musket and powder-horn can be seen in their 
faces, as well as the fact that they are not to be fooled with, especially in 
skirmishes in the woods. Seriously speaking, this entire nation has great 
natural military talent. There were many regiments of regulars (Continent- 
als) in the enemy's army who had not been properly equipped owing to the 
lack of time and scarcity of cloth. They have flags with all kinds of emblems 
and mottoes. 

" It must also be said to the credit of the enemy's regiments, that not a man 
among them ridiculed or insulted us ; and none of them evinced the least sign 
of hate or malicious joy as we marched by. On the contrary, it seemed rather 
as though they desired to do us honor. As we filed by the tent of General 
Gates, he invited the brigadiers and commanders of our regiments to enter, 
and when they had done so he placed all kinds of refreshments before them. 

" Gates is a man between fifty and sixty years of age ; wears his thin gray 
hair combed around his head ; is still lively and friendly, and constantly wears 
spectacles on account of his weak eyes. At headquarters we met many ofiicers, 
who showed us all manner of attention. Philadelphia officers, men of our own 
blood, offered to make our stay in Pennsylvania among their loved relations 
pleasant and agreeable. French officers overwhelmed us with a thousand com- 
plimentary speeches; and a number of officers formerly in the Prussian 
service were fairly in ecstacies at the sight of our blue coats — bringing back to 
them recollections of the battles of Sohr, Prague and Kesselsdorf. 

" Brigadier Weissenfels of Konigsberg, has rendered many services to those 
of our officers (seven in number) who were taken prisoners (at the battles of 
Saratoga).* "We march to-day to Freeman's Farm, four miles distant." 

* Weissenfels, Frederick H., Baron de, born in Prussia 1738, died In New Orleans, La., May 14, 1806; 
he commanded the 3d New York battalion at White Plains, Trenton, the battles of Saratoga, and the 
battle of Monmouth. He was one of the original founders of the order of the Cincinnati. * • * * 
The statement of the letter-writer, that so many French and Prussian officers were in General Galea' 
Army, ia quite a new revelation. 



HISTORY 



OF THE 



Saratoga Monument Association 



1856-1891 



' Loudly may laureled Saratoga claim 
A marble tribute to her splendid fame ! 
In the grand chariot which her war-steeds drew 
She first placed Freedom, pointed to her view 
The glorious goal. Shall pagan Egypt bid 
The heavens be cloven with her pyramid? 
Shall Greece shrine Phidias in her Parthenon 
To live till fade the stars and dies the sun? 
Rome with her mighty Coliseum 'whelm 
The earth with awe? A peerless, wondrous realm— 
And our free nation meanly shrink to write 
With marble finger, in the whole world's sight. 
Grand Saratoga's glory? Sound aloud 
Song thy wide trumpet ! Let the heavens be bowed 
With love of country's wrathful thunders, till 
A reverent people with united will 
Shall bid the Monument arise and stand 
Freedom's embodied form forever in the land." 





, ^^/yf ^''^-i^t^ 



PRESIDENT OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 



OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES 



OF THE 



Saratoga Monument Association 

1 89 1 



Tresident 
JOHN H. STARIN 

Vice-Tresidents 
JAMES M. MARVIN WARNER MILLER 

Secretary 
WILLIAM L STONE 

Treasurer 
D. S. POTTER 

Executive Committee 

P. C. FORD D. F. RITCHIE 

J. M. MARVIN EDWARD WEMPLE 

C. W. MAYHEW JOHN H. STARIN. ex-officio Chairman 



Committee on Design 

WM. L. STONE GEO. W. CURTIS 

JOHN H. STARIN W. A. SACKETT 

D. F. RITCHIE A. de R. McNAIR 

E. F. BULLARD JOHN M. READ 

P. C. FORD EDWARD WEMPLE 

GEO. S. BATCHELLER A. B. BAUCUS 

ELLIOTT T. SLOCUM JOHN FOLEY 

Cojtwiittee on Tablets 

MRS. E. H. WALWORTH 

A. DE R. McNAIR 

D. S. POTTER 



Committee on Custody of the Monument 

MRS. E. H. WALWORTH P. C. FORD 

C. W. MAYHEW WILLIAM L. STONE 

A. B. BAUCUS 



Co/nmittee on Proper Conduct of the Dedication of the Monument 

P. C. FORD A DH R. McNAIR 

D. S. POTTER ELLIOTT T. SLOCUM 

D. A. BULLARD S. D. KIRK 

C. W. MAYHEW HORATIO ROGERS 

JAMES M. MARVIN JOHN MERDITH READ 

W. A. SACKETT WILLIAM L. STONE 

D. F. RITCHIE LEMON THOMPSON 

CHARLES S. LESTER JOHN G. McNARY 

JOHN M. STARIN JOHN FOLEY 

WARNER MILLER 



Committee on Speakers 

WILLIAM L. STONE P. C. FORD 

MRS. E. H. WALWORTH JOHN H. STARIN 

Advisory Committee 
C. S. LESTER P. C. FORD E. F. BULLARD 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 



" The battles of Bemis Heights and Saratoga (Stillwater), and the surrender 
of Lieutenant-General John Burgoyne, on the 17th of October, 1777, formed 
a niche in the Temple of Liberty, which patriotism will one day fill with an 
appropriate monument." Actuated by this sentiment, on 17th of October, 
1856, John A. Corey, George Stover, and other patriotic gentlemen, met at 
the old Schuyler mansion in Schuylerville, N. Y., and discussed the pre- 
liminary steps to be taken in the matter. On this occasion, Alfred B. Street 
delivered a poem ; a banquet was given, and a celebration on a small scale 
held.* 

The result of this meeting was the organization, in 1859, by Hamilton 
Fish, Horatio Seymour, John A. Corey, Peter Gansevoort, and others, of the 
Saratoga Monument Association, under a perpetual charter from the State of 
New York, whose object was the erection of a fitting memorial on the site of 
Burgoyne's surrender. 

The original board consisted of fourteen permanent trustees or direct- 
ors, as follows : George Stover, William Wilcox and Henry Holmes, of old 
Saratoga; James M. Marvin, John A. Corey and Jas. M. Cook, of Saratoga 
Springs; Leroy Mowry and Asa C. Tefft, of the County of Washington; Peter 
Gansevoort, of Albany ; Hamilton Fish, of New York ; Philip Schuyler, of 
Westchester ; George W. Blecker, of Brooklyn, and Horatio Seymour, of 
Utica. Upon the death of Mr. Blecker, in i860, Benson J. Lossing, of Pough- 
keepsie, was chosen to fill the vacant place. Soon after the Association was 
incorporated, thg following organization was perfected: 

Trustees and Officers. 

Hamilton Fish, New York City, President; Phillip Schuyler, Pelham P. O. 
N. Y., Vice-President; James M. Marvin, Saratoga Springs, N. Y., Treasurer; 
John Romeyn Brodhead, New York City, Corresponding Secretary; John A. 
Corey, Saratoga Springs, Secretary; Horatio Seymour, Utica, N. Y. ; Benson 
J. Lossing, New York City; Peter Gansevoort, Albany, N. Y. ; James M. Cook, 
Ballston Spa, N. Y.; Edward C. Delavan, Ballston Centre, N. Y.; William 
Wilcox, Schuylerville; Henry Holmes, Corinth, N. Y.; Asa C. Tefft, Fort 
Miller, N. Y.; Leroy Mowry, Greenwich, N. Y. 

The Trustees held several meetings, and selected the spot upon which to 
erect the Monument. But the breaking out of the civil war in 1861 cast 

* On the same day a meeting of the soldiers of the war of 1812 was held, to consult about their pensions and 
celebrate the surrender of Burgoyne, 



46 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

such a gloom over the whole country, and taxed the patriotic energies of 
the people to such an extent, that the movement to build the Monument 
was suspended up to the year 1872, during which time several of the 
original Trustees had died. In the early autumn of that year, however, 
Mr. Corey, one of the most efficient of the Trustees, took the matter up 
and pushed it earnestly. 

The first section of the Act of the Legislature of the State of New York, 
passed April 19, 1859, chap. 498, Laws of 1859, read as follows: 

Sec. I. " George Stover, William Wilcox, and their associates, shall be 
a body corporate and politic, by the name and style of the Saratoga Monu- 
ment Association, for the purpose of taking and holding sufficient real and 
personal property to erect on such spot in the town of Saratoga, and as 
near the place where Burgoyne surrendered the British army, as a 
majorit)' of the Trustees hereinafter named shall deem practicable, a Monu- 
ment commemorative of the battle which ended in Burgoyne's surrender, 
on the seventeenth day of October, seventeen hundred and seventy-seven." 

Section four of this Act named the first Board of Trustees ; but, owing to 
the exertions of Mr. Corey, it was amended by the Legislature of April 
30, 1873, as follows: 

Sec. IV. "The first Board of Trustees shall consist of Hamilton Fish 
and William L. Stone, of the City of New York ; Horatio Seymour, of 
Utica; Benson J. Lossing, of Poughkeepsie; Asa C. Tefft, of the town of 
Fort Edward; Leroy Mowry, of the town of Greenwich; James M. Marvin; 
and John A. Corey, of Saratoga Springs, and Charles H. Payn, of 
Saratoga." 

Dr. Charles H. Payn and others (Mr. Corey liaving died), now went 
vigorously to work ; and in the spring of 1874, the Legislature, owing in a 
large measure to the exertions of Horatio Seymour and George Batcheller, 
seconded by Smith Weed and Bradford L. Prince, voted an appropriation 
toward the erection of the Monument in the following form (Laws of 
1874, chap. 323, page 387): 

' "Whenever it shall be made satisfactorily to appear to the Comptroller 
of the State, that the Saratoga Monument Association has fixed and deter- 
mined upon a plan for a Monument, to be erected at Schuylerville, Saratoga 
County, in commemoration of the battle of Saratoga, and that it will not 
cost to exceed five hundred thousand, nor less than two hundred thousand 
dollars, to erect and complete such Monument upon such plan, and that the 
Association has received and paid over to the treasurer from private subscrip- 
tions and donations, made by the United States or State governments of 
States, at least a sufficient sum, with the amount hereby specified, to complete 
said Monument upon such plans, then the State of New York will pay and 




f^-^yn^^-7^' 



VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 47 

contribute by appropriation of public moneys, the sum of fifty thousand 
dollars to aid in the construction of such Monument, and the faith of the 
State is hereby pledged to such purpose upon such conditions. The 
plans and estimates of the cost of said Monument aforesaid, shall be submit- 
ted to and be approved by the Governor and Comptroller of this State, and 
the Comptroller of this State is hereby made the treasurer of said Monu- 
ment Association. The plan so fixed and adopted as aforesaid shall not 
hereafter be changed without the consent of the Governor and Comptroller, 
nor so as to increase the cost of said monument." 

At the same time the Secretary of the Association forwarded petitions 
to the Legislatures of the original thirteen States, asking for $5,000 from 
each; but, with the exception of Rhode Island, which promised that sum 
conditionally, no favorable response was obtained. A memorial to Congress 
was also drawn up by the Committee on Design. 

This memorial was forwarded to the member of Congress from the 
Saratoga district, but thinking the time was not auspicious, the latter 
did not present it. 

On the fourth of July, 1876, a historical address was delivered in 
Schuylerville, by Judge E. F. Bullard, which had a happy effect in arousing 
renewed interest in the necessity for building a Monument on the ground 
made sacred by the memories of the Revolution of 1776. This address was 
the begining of the series of events of the centennial years which led up to 
the building of the Monument. 

In the early spring of the next centennial year ( 1877), the above mentioned 
appropriation of $50,000 by the Legislature, having lapsed by law — more than 
two years having passed since it was given — a petition to the Legislature of 
New York to grant such aid as would ensure the laying of the corner stone 
of the proposed Monument on the approaching centennial anniversary of the 
surrender, was prepared and signed by members of the Monument Associa- 
tion, and by a large number of the most prominent men in Saratoga and 
Washington Counties. This petition read as follows : 

" To the Honorable Senate and Assembly of the State of New York : 

"Your memorialists, members of the Saratoga Monument Association, re- 
spectfully represent that in their humble opinion, considerations of high 
patriotic duty should prompt the people of this State to commemorate 
the centennial anniversary of the great victory of the American arms at Sar- 
atoga, by ceremonies appropriate to the august occasion ; and paramount 
to all other services, they think should be the laying of the corner stone 
of the contemplated Monument as a testimonial of their appreciation of 
those great events to succeeding generations. 



48 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

"Your predecessors, three years since, appropriated $50,000 for this 
purpose, conditional, however, on the addition by private subscription of 
$100,000 more. This, from the financial derangement of the country, more, 
as it is hoped, than from apathy toward the object, your petitioners have 
been unable to obtain; but, unwilling that this centennial year should 
elapse without a proper recognition by the people of the State of the 
supreme importance of the Saratoga campaign in the establishment of 
American independence, they would earnestly entreat that your honorable 
body would favor the purpose of the Monument Association, by the appro- 
priation of such funds as shall be requisite to enable your petitioners to 
carry out the contemplated memorial." 

As it was impossible to circulate a petition throughout the State, D. S. 
Potter, Esq., on behalf of the local committee of Schuylerville, to aid 
the purpose of the Monument Association, addressed letters to a large 
number of influential men in various parts of the State, to obtain their 
views on the subject, and if meeting their approval to secure their co-oper- 
ation in this patriotic movement. The answers to these letters showed 
that there was an earnest desire throughout the State that the patriotic 
duty of erecting a fitting memorial to mark the surrender of Burgoyne 
should no longer be delayed. 

By way of seconding this petition one of the Vice-Presidents of the 
Saratoga Monument Association, Hon. J. V. L. Pruyn, and its Secretary, Wm. 
L. Stone, appeared before the Committee of Ways and Means, and asked 
for an appropriation sufficient at least to construct the foundation of an 
appropriate monument, and to fittingly celebrate the laying of its corner 
stone. This committee generously responded. Acting upon their recom- 
mendation, the Legislature voted $10,000 for this object. Governor Robin- 
son, however, vetoed this bill. All that was left the Association, therefore, 
was to issue an appeal to the patriotic people throughout the State, asking 
for aid. This appeal, considering the times, met with a comparatively gen- 
erous response in money and material, by which the Association was 
enabled to lay the foundation of the Monument and the corner stone, together 
with one-fourth of the plinth or base. 

Since the passage of the Act of 1874, Mr. Corey and Chancellor Pruyn 
have died, and several other gentlemen of well-known standing have been 
elected Trustees. The Trustees of the Association, therefore, at the present 
time (1878), are as follows : Horatio Seymour, William J. Bacon, Utica 
N. Y.; James M. Marvin, Charles H. Payn, Edward F. Bullard, David F. 
Ritchie, Saratoga Springs, N. Y.; William L. Stone, Gen. J. Watts de 
Peyster, Algernon S. Sullivan, B. W. Throckmorton, New York City ; 
Daniel A. Bullard, P. C. Ford, H. Clay Holmes, Charles W. Mayhew, Schuy- 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 49 

lerville, N. Y.; Leroy Mowry, Greenwich, N. Y.; Asa C. Tefft, Fort 
Miller, N. Y.; E. R. Mudge, Boston, Mass.; E. W. B. Canning, Stock- 
bridge, Mass.; Frank Pruyn, Mechanicsville, N. Y.; Webster Wagner, Pala- 
tine Bridge, N. Y.; James H. Kelly, Rochester, N. Y.; Giles B. Slo- 
cum, Trenton, Mich.; Benson J. Lossing, Dover Plains, N. Y.; Gen. John 
M. Read, Joel Munsell, Lemon Thompson, Albany, N. Y.; Gen. Stephen D. 
Kirk, Charleston, S. C; Horatio Rogers, Providence, R. I. 

At the annual meeting of the Association, held in the parlors of the United 
States Hotel, at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., on the ist day of August, 1877, 
it was resolved to invite the Grand Lodge of the State of New York to 
lay the corner stone of the Monument, at the approaching centennial of Bur- 
goyne's surrender, on the 17th of the following October. The following 
correspondence then followed ; 

New York City, September 7, 1877. 
J. J. Couch, G. M. State of New York. 

Dear Sir — The citizens of Schuylerville, N. Y., have requested the Sar- 
atoga Monument Association to invite the Grand Master and Grand 
Lodge of the State of New York to lay the corner stone of the Saratoga 
Monument, to commemorate the surrender of General Burgoyne, on the 17th 
of October next. 

I need not say, sir, in being the instrument of conveying this invitation, 
how much pleasure it would give the Saratoga Monument Association to 
have this invitation accepted ; and if you could make it convenient yourself 
to attend and perform this august ceremony, it would doubtless gratify 
not only the Masons in the immediate vicinity, but the fraternity throughout 
the United States. 

Washington, who through Schuyler, planned the campaign which won 
the battle of Saratoga, was a Mason ; and therefore, aside from the respect 
which we pay to living Masons, we pay — and you, sir, pay in this also — 
homage to the memory of one of its greatest and most revered members. 

No expense, permit me to add, will be suffered to be incurred by the 
Grand Lodge, while our guests. Hoping for a favorable reply, I remain. 

Respectfully yours, 

William L. Stone, 
Sec'y Saratoga Mommient Association. 



New York, September 14, 1877. 
Wm. L. Stone, Esq., Secretary Saratoga Monument Association. 

My Dear Sir — I have received your letter of invitation, conveying the 
wish of the good people of Schuylerville, and your associates, that the corner 



50 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONTJMENT ASSOCIATION. 

Stone of the *' Saratoga Monument " should be laid by the Grand Master 
of Masons in the State of New York, and that this service should be per- 
formed on the 17th day of October, prox., in connection with the celebration 
of the centennial of Burgoyne's surrender. 

Your cordial invitation is cheerfully accepted ; and in company with the 
officers of the Grand Lodge of New York, I will attend at the appointed 
time and place, prepared to perform the ceremony of laying the corner 
stone in " ample form," according to the time-honored usages of our fraternity. 
Right Worshipful John C. Boak, Grand Marshal, will take charge of the pre- 
liminary arrangements on the part of the Grand Lodge. 

Address, No. 8 Fourth avenue. New York City. 

Very respectfully yours, 

J. J. Couch, Grand Master. 



Accordingly a procession, two miles in length, and forming the most 
splendid civic, masonic and military pageant ever witnessed in Northern 
New York, marched to the site of the Monument, where, in the presence of 
forty thousand people, the corner stone was laid by the Grand Master, in 
" due and ancient form," the latter delivering on the occasion an unusually 
impressive address. Upon the conclusion of the Grand Master's address, the 
Grand Secretary read a list of the articles deposited within the corner stone. 
These are the following : 

List of Articles Deposited Within the Corner Stone of the Saratoga 

Monument, Oct. 17, 1877. 

A History of the Saratoga Monument Association, by its Secretary, Wm. L. 
Stone. 

A copy of the Bible, translated out of the original, presented by the Saratoga 
County Bible Society. 

Burgoyne's Campaign and St. Leger's Expedition, by Wm. L. Stone. 

Mrs. Ellen Hardin Walworth's Saratoga, the Battles and Battleground, 
Visitors' Guide. 

A copy of Mrs. Willard's History, and an American flag, presented by R. N. 
Atwell. 

General Schuyler and Burgoyne's Campaign of 1777, being the annual ad- 
dress delivered by Gen. J. Watts de Peyster before the New York His- 
torical Society of New York City. 

Saratoga County, an Historical Address, by George S. Scott, and a Centen- 
nial address, by J. L. L'Amoreaux. 

Saratoga and Kay-ad-ros-se-ra, a Centennial address, by N. B. Sylvester. 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. $1 

The Burgoyne Campaign ; an Address Delivered on the Battlefield on the 

One-hundredth Anniversary of the Battle of Bemis Heights, September 

19, 1777, by John Austin Stevens. 
History of Saratoga and the Burgoyne Campaign, by General Edward F. 

Bullard. 
An Address to the American People in behalf of a Monument to be erected in 

Commemoration of the American Army at Saratoga, under Generals 

Schuyler, Gates, Arnold and Morgan, October 17, 1777, by J. C. Markham. 
Leading Industrial Pursuits of Glen's Falls, Sandy Hill, and Fort Edward, 

by J. S. Buckley. 
A silver half-dollar coin of George HI, dated 1777, and one of the United 

States, dated 1877, deposited by Alanson Welch, President of the Village 

of Schuylerville. 
Memorial of the Opening of the New York and Canada Railway, presented 

by E. F. Bullard. 
Song, commemorative of the surrender of Burgoyne, arranged by Col. B. C. 

Butler, of Luzerne, N. Y. 
Annual Report of the Canal Commissioners of the State of New York. 
Records of Schuyler Lodge, No. 176, F. and A. M., and Home Chapter, No. 

176, R. A. M. 
A photograph of the Monument, from the architect's drawing. 
The cards of John and Samuel Matthews and E. F. Simmons, the operative 

masons who built the foundation, base and corner stone of the Monument. 
The Architect's statement of the progress of the work of building the founda- 
tion, base and corner stone. David A. Bullard in charge. 
Prospectus of the Bennington Battle Monument Association ; a forthcoming 

volume, on the Bennington Centennial, of the week of the i6th of August, 

1877. 
A pamphlet containing a statement of the Bennington Historical Society, and 

an account of the battle of Bennington, by ex-Governor Hiland Hall, 

published in March, 1877. 
The Standard (daily), Schuylerville ; The Saratoga County Standard, (weekly), 

Schuylerville ; The Saratogian (daily), The Sun (weekly), Saratoga Springs; 

Troy Daily Press, Daily IVhig, Northern Budget, Obsej'ver, Sunday Trojan, 

Troy, N. Y.; Argus, Press, Express, Journal, Times, Post, Albany, N. Y.; 

Herald, Times, Tribune, Sun, World, Express, New York City. 

The exercises which followed the laying of the corner stone were of a 
high order of literary excellence, and fully in keeping with the august cele- 
bration which they were intended to commemorate. They were conducted 
in the following order: 



52 history of the saratoga monument association. 

First Grand Stand. 

Music, Boring's Band. 

Prayer, Rev. Rufus W. Clark, D.D., of Albany, Chaplain. 

Music. 
Introductory address by the President of the Day, Hon. Charles S. Lester 

Music. 

Oration by ex-Governor Horatio Seymour. 

Oration by George William Curtis. 

Music. 

Poem by Alfred B. Street, read by Col. E. P. Howe. 

Music. 

Address by Hon. Lafayette S. Foster. 

Second Grand Stand. 

Music, Colt's Army Band, Hartford, Conn. 

Prayer, Rev. F. E. King, of Fort Edward, N. Y., Chaplain. 

Music. 

Introductory Address, Hon. George W. Schuyler (in the absence of Gen. 

Edward F. Bullard), President of the Day. 

Music. 

Historical Address by William L. Stone. 

Address by Hon. B. W. Throckmorton, of New Jersey. Subject, " Arnold." 

Music. 
Fitz Green Halleck's Field of the Grounded Arms, read by Halleck's 
biographer, Gen. James Grant Wilson. 
Addresses by Hon. A. A. Gates, and H. L. Gladding. 
Ode by Gen. J. Watts de Peyster, read by Rev. J. R. Van Doren. 
The Star Spangled Banner, arranged for the anniversary of Burgoyne's sur- 
render, by Col. B. C. Butler. Read by William L. Stone. 
Letters from Benson J. Lossing, Mrs. Ellen Hardin Walworth, Giles B. 
Slocum, and General Stephen D. Kirk, of Charleston, S. C. Read by 
Col. D. F. Ritchie. 

Short addresses by Hon. Algernon S. Sullivan and E. L. Fursman. 

Grand Banquet. 
Brilliant military spectacle, representing the Surrender of Burgoyne's Army. 

It is now proposed, whenever sufficient funds are raised, to make the 
structure (designed by J. C. Markham, of New York City) of granite, and of 
the obelisk form. The concrete foundation, forty feet square and eight feet 
deep, as well as a quarter of the granite plinth or base (covering the entire 
foundation), four and a half feet high, and the corner stone, ten feet square 
and two feet high, are already completed. Upon this base the main shaft of 



HISTOET OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 53 

the monument is to be twenty feet square, exclusive of buttresses, which pro- 
ject three feet on each side. The height is to be 150 feet. The interior at the 
base will be a room twelve feet square, floored with encaustic tile of original 
and historic design. The stairs ascending to the several floors are to be of 
bronze; the doors, also, are to be of bronze, the panels to be filled with origi- 
nal historical subjects, designed by such eminent artists as Launt Thompson, 
E. D. Palmer, J. Q. Ward and J. C. Taylor. On the four corners of the plat- 
form are to be mounted four of the large and ornamental bronze cannon taken 
from the English at the time of surrender. Of the large niches in the four 
gables, three are to be filled with appropriate groups of sculpture in bronze, 
representing the three generals, Schuyler, Gates and Morgan, with their ac- 
cessories, the fourth being vacant, with the word Arnold inscribed underneath. 
The Association have obtained by purchase two acres of land near the en- 
trance to Prospect Hill Cemetery, on which the foundation for the proposed 
Monument has been built. The spot is directly west of the mouth of Fish 
Creek, on the high ground overlooking the alluvial meadow where the British 
laid down their arms. It is as near as can conveniently be placed to where the 
headquarters of Gates were situated, which witnessed the formal unfurling, 
for the first time, of the Stars and Stripes.* 



The successful passage of the bill through the Legislature of an appro- 
priation of ten thousand dollars for the Saratoga Monument, although it was 
vetoed by the Governor, proved that the sentiment of the people was in favor 
of State aid to this Association. Based upon a belief in this patriotism, and with 
the private subscriptions given for the purpose, the proceedings of the Centen- 
nial celebration just related were undertaken and successfully accomplished. 

Thus at the end of the year 1878, which closes the admirable history of 
the Association by Mr. W. L. Stone, we find that the long-projected Monument 
had a local habitation and a name. One-fourth of the foundation was built, 
but this foundation stood solely as a suggestion and an inspiration to the 
Association. Not one dollar in the treasury, and with some embarrassment 
in regard to the land on which the Monument had been started, and a few 
debts to be settled, the outlook would have been dreary indeed to any but the 
few enthusiastic members who now enlisted more vigorously than ever in the 
work before them. 

The address which was delivered on the battle-ground during the Cen- 
tennial proceedings by Governor Seymour has become world renowned from 

* It is true that a flag intended for the Stars and Stripes, and made out of a white shirt and some 
bits of red cloth from the petticoat of a soldier's wife, first floated on captured standards on the ramparts of 
Fort Stanwix, August sth, 1777; but the Stars and Stripes as we see them— except as to the number of 
stars— was tirst unfurled to grace the surrender at Saratoga. See De Peyster's "Justice to Schuyler." 
The Fort Stanwix flag is now in the possession of Mrs. Abraham Lansing, of Albany, N. Y. 



54 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

its sententious style, and the broad yet profound scope of its arguments and 
illustrations. It was a source of encouragement to the Association, who 
during the next year had the misfortune to lose, by resignation on account of 
ill-health, the invaluable services of Chancellor J. V. L. Pruyn, its Vice-Presi- 
dent, and Mr. Benson Lossing, each of whom had exercised his influence and 
ability in its behalf. 

Early in the year 1880, Hon. John H. Starin, with the patriotism which is 
characteristic of him, introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to aid 
in building the Saratoga Monument. In April it was reported favorably by the 
Military Committee to which it had been consigned. 

Meetings of the Association in this year were most important in their 
results, and were the last over which Governor Seymour presided; extracts of 
these meetings are here given: 

" The Board of Trustees held their annual meeting at Saratoga Springs, 
in the United States Hotel, on the 17th of August, 1880, Hon. Horatio Sey- 
mour in the chair, Hon. D. A. Bullard, P. C. Ford, and Col. D. F. Ritchie, E. 
F. Bullard, and Dr. C. H. Payne in attendance. The Secretary read letters 
from the Vice-Presidents and others, regretting their inability to attend. In a 
letter from Hon. John Starin, he said : 

" ' The bill introduced at the last session of Congress, asking for aid in 
our undertaking, was not reached before adjournment. It will pass the next 
session in my judgment. The House was ready to pass it then, but it was 
thought best to have it brought up in the Senate first, and it was not reached. 
No effort on my part will be spared when Congress again meets, to push it 
through to a favorable conclusion. , 

' Truly yours, 

' Jno. H. Starin.'" 

Mr. C. M. Bliss, Secretary of the Bennington Monument Association, had 
been invited to attend the meeting, and, at the request of Governor Seymour, 
addressed the Association, stating what he knew of the sentiment of Congress 
in regard to appropriating money for monuments on Revolutionary battle- 
fields, and showing that there is an increasing interest in that body on the sub- 
ject. He said, further, " that the main objection to an appropriation for the 
Yorktown Monument arose from the precedent which, it was feared, would be 
established, so that Congress would be compelled to build monuments on all 
the battle-fields of the Revolution. When it was discovered that only York- 
town expected Congress to do the whole work, and that other places only 
asked assistance, and the Revolutionary battle-fields were few in number, so 
that even if Congress were to build a monument on every one of them it would 
not bankrupt the treasury, the change of sentiment in that body was quite 
manifest. Senator Kernan told the Senate that if Congress should do what 




JOHN V. L. PRUYN, 
EX-VICE-PRESIDEN'T OF J HE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 55 

was needed in aid of local effort, it would cost but about two hundred thousand 
dollars, and the expenditure would cover many years. There is also a growing 
feeling that general legislation should be resorted to by Congress in aid of 
local effort to the extent of one dollar from the treasury for every dollar raised 
at home. If such a law could be properly guarded from abuse, it would un- 
doubtedly pass." 

At the close of Mr. Bliss's speech, Governor Seymour, in corroboration of 
his remarks in regard to the necessity of educating public sentiment to an 
appreciation of monuments, said, "that one reason it was more difficult to do 
this in New York was that the population of that State was composed in a 
measure of different nationalities, whereas New England was more homogene- 
ous, and consequently had traditions which they reverenced. Still, much 
could, and had already been done in educating the people to a knowledge of 
the deeds of their ancestors. At the Oriskany celebration, for example, the 
Germans (the descendants of those who had fought in the Revolution) turned 
out and made a magnificent display. In the course of the celebration one 
gentleman being asked by another why he rejoiced so extravagantly, when a 
few weeks since he seemed indifferent, replied, 'Why, I never knew of the 
deeds of my ancestors before !' This reminded him of a story of a rough, who, 
having thrashed a Jew, was asked why he did it. 'Because,' he replied, ' these 
fellows crucified our Saviour.' 'But,' rejoined the other, 'that was done 1800 
years ago.' 'Well,' he replied, ' I never heard of it till yesterday.' " 

Thus, those who never heard of these glorious deeds, had by these cele- 
brations been educated to a full and just comprehension of them. " It was," 
continued Governor Seymour, " a matter of regret to him to see the way in 
which Congress appropriated money — the channels into which the public 
money was turned — the mere ornamentation they are now putting on public 
buildings, which often disfigure rather than adorn, greatly exceed in cost each 
year the expense of erecting suitable monuments which shall mark those 
spots, the sites of great events in our history, and the graves of men who 
sacrificed their lives in obtaining the independence of our country." 

On motion of Col. Ritchie and Gen. BuUard, Mr. C. F. Bliss, Hon. D. S. 
Potter and Mrs. Walworth, who had been invited to be present, were added to 
the number of Trustees. 

Mrs. E. H. Walworth, of Saratoga, was then introduced, and at the 
urgent request of Gov. Seymour, made a statement in relation to marking 
the points of interest on the battle-field of Bemis Heights, and asked that 
something of this kind should be done. 

On motion of Mr. P. T. Ford, the following resolution was .then 
adopted: 

Resolved, That a committee be appointed by the chair, of members of 



56 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

the Association and others, to procure memorial stones or other marks to 
designate the points of interest on the Saratoga battle-grounds at Bemis 
Heights, Freeman's Farm, Wilbur's Basin and other places connected 
with the Burgoyne campaign, to carry out the suggestion of Mrs. Walworth. 
The committee to carry out this resolution were Mi-s. Walworth, Geo. W. 
Neilson, James M. Marvin, N. B. Sylvester, D. F. Ritchie, W. L. Stone and 
George Ensign. 

A discussion was then held in regard to the immediate prosecution of 
the building of the Monument, during which, on motion of Gen. Bullard, the 
following resolution was adopted: 

Resolved, " That the design now submitted by J. C. Markham (the 
original architect of the Association), be adopted, subject to such modifica- 
tion as the Association shall hereafter make." * 

Gov. Seymour then suggested that the details of getting proposals for 
furnishing granite, building the Monument, etc., be left to the Building 
Committee. This was at once concurred in, and the Building Committee 
was duly authorized to proceed, and also to arrange in regard to the title 
of the ground on which the Monument was to be placed. 

Before the close of the meeting the Secretary presented bronze medallions 
to Gov. Seymour and the Trustees present. They were the gift of Mr, 
Henry Whitmore, of New Jersey, and bear on one side a representation of 
Burgoyne surrendering his sword to Gates, in bas relievo, and the legend 
"Salus Regionem Septemtrional" (a fac-simile of the seal of the Associa- 
tion), and on the other side a picture of the Monument when completed. 

During no period of the history of the Saratoga Monument Association 
has it held a meeting so auspicious and satisfactory In every respect. 
Gov. Seymour, though in feeble health, was present at great personal sacri- 
fice; the discussions were hearty, full and unanimous; and more gratifying 
than all was the promise of the work being at once taken up with a will and 
pushed forward to a successful completion." 

A special meeting of the Saratoga Monument Association was held Aug- 
ust 31st, 1880, at its accustomed place of meeting, the parlors of the United 
States Hotel, Saratoga Springs, Hon. Horatio Seymour in the chair. Vice- 
President J. M. Marvin, D. S. Potter, D. A. Bullard, D. F. Ritchie, P. C. 
Ford, and the Secretary were present. Gen. C. K. Graham, Surveyor of the 
Port of New York, Capt. Howe, Hon. W. A. Sackett, and J. C. Markham 
were also present as invited guests. 

The minutes of the last meeting of two weeks since being read and ap- 
proved, a letter from Hon. J. H. Kelly, one of the Trustees, was read. 

Gov. Seymour then addressed the meeting as follows : 

* The design adopted at this meeting is the one after which the Monument has been built. 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 57 

" Since the last meeting of this board, I have given much thought to 
the subject of the Saratoga Monument. For the purpose of getting a more 
clear understanding, a few days since I went to see the field upon which Bur- 
goyne surrendered his army and gave to the American cause its success in 
the Revolutionary struggle. I wished to note more particularly the spot 
upon which the Monument is to be placed, as I had some doubts with regard 
to its fitness ; but when I stood upon the foundations which have been 
made, I felt that it was judiciously selected. I have read much with regard 
to the history of Burgoyne's campaign ; I have studied with care its maps 
and plans ; but it was not until I stood upon the site of the Monument that 
all was made clear to my mind ; for there was not only displayed the field of 
the surrender, the spots where events had taken place of which we read 
with so much interest, and which seemed to be recalled to the looker-on as 
of present rather than of remote occurrence, but beyond all this, the lines of 
the Green Mountains in view, which told of the progress of the British army 
from the north through Lake Champlain and the upper Hudson ; the Cats- 
kill Mountains which mark the course of the lower Hudson which Bur- 
goyne sought to reach at Albany ; the Highlands at the west of the Mohawk — 
all was made clear, the whole plan in its broad scope by which the Crown 
sought to break up the united efforts of the Colonies, and to master the 
strongholds which would give it control of military operations. 

"This grand scene brings to the mind not alone the surrender of the 
great army, but the battle of Oriskany in the deep forest with the savage 
allies of Britain ; the struggle at Bennington, between the hardy moun- 
taineers and the chasseurs of Baumand Breyman, and the grand conclusive 
battle at Bemis Heights. 

" If the members of Congress could stand for one half hour upon the spot 
where I stood, there would be no question in their minds about the sacred duty 
of putting up a monument which should tell of one of the fifteen decisive 
battles of the world, and of a victory which established the independence of 
our country. As this grows great and glorious, the full value and interest of 
the surrender of the British army becomes more clear and impressive to all 
who look upon this scene. 

" For these reasons more than ever I feel that this Association should be 
animated by the dignity of the work in which they are engaged, and should be 
sustained by the public sympathy and aid." 

Some remarks by Messrs. Potter, Ritchie and Ford followed ; after which 
D. A. Bullard introduced the following resolution, which was unanimously 
carried : 

Whereas, A bill is pending in Congress giving aid to the Saratoga Mon- 
ument Association, which may, if passed, modify its plans ; with a view of 



58 HISTOKY OF THE SARATOGA MONTJMENT ASSOCIATION. 

enabling this Association to comply with the requirement of such law; there- 
fore, 

Resolved, That all action with regard to contracts or work on the Mon- 
ument be suspended until we learn the action of Congress before its adjourn- 
ment in March next. 

Gov. Seymour then added that " he was greatly pleased with the plan of 
marking the different places of the battle-field with memorial tablets; and he 
thought that individuals would be found who would esteem it a privilege to 
mark separate spots. He, for example, would undertake to place a tablet at 
Bemis Heights, at the point where the breastworks in front of Gates' fortifi- 
cations, erected by Kosciusko, ran around the foot of the hill to the river." 
(Mr. Bullard and Mr. Marvin stated that they would also erect tablets to 
commemorate two other points on the battle-field.) " And," continued Gov. 
Seymour, "the marking of the particular spots would give additional interest 
to the numerous drives around Saratoga — thus enhancing the already numer- 
ous attractions of the place. It was in like manner that the erection of a small 
monument over Baron Steuben added a lovely drive to Oneida County." 

Mr. Markham made a few remarks in which he coincided with Gov. Sey- 
mour's ideas. 

The Secretary then announced that, through the efforts of Mr. D. S. Potter 
and Hon. Webster Wagner, an appropriation of $10,000 had been obtained 
from the Legislature of New York, and that he regretted to state that the 
bill for $1,500, so ably advocated by Judge J. D. Kirk of South Carolina, had 
been defeated in that State. He also presented a copy of the favorable report 
of the Military Committee in Congress on a bill introduced by Mr. Starin for 
an appropriation of $30,000 for the Monument. After a resolution of thanks 
to the proprietors of the United States Hotel for their courteous treatment, 
the President adjourned the meeting until the 8th of March, 1881. 

The meeting of the Association in March, 1881, was held at the Delavan 
House in Albany, N. Y., when Hon. John F. Seymour in person presented the 
following letter from his brother, Hon. Horatio Seymour: 

Utica, N. Y., March 30, 1881. 
To the Board of Directors of the Saratoga Monument Association: 

I hereby resign my place as Trustee under the acts to incorporate the Sara- 
toga Monument Association, passed by the Legislature of this State. 

Horatio Seymour. 

As it was understood by the Trustees present, from the statements of 

John F. Seymour and the Secretary, that this action of Gov. Seymour was 

dictated solely by tlic imperative advice of his physician, his resignation was 

accepted, but only on the condition that as soon as his health permitted he 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 59 

should resume both the Presidency and the Trusteeship; and a committee 
consisting of David F. Ritchie, Mrs. E. H. Walworth and William L. Stone 
were appointed to draw up and forward resolutions expressive of the deep 
regret with which his resignation had been accepted by his fellow Trustees. 
The committee accordingly reported the following preamble and resolutions : 

Preamble. 

Whereas, A letter has been received from Hon. Horatio Seymour, tender- 
ing his resignation both as a Trustee and as President of the Saratoga Monu- 
ment Association, and stating that he has been forced into this step solely by 
the imperative advice of his physician; therefore, 

Resolved, That in accepting his resignation the Association cannot but feel 
deeply grieved by the thought that in consenting to this action they lose one 
whose name, influence and active exertions in their behalf have contributed 
more than anything else to the success attained. 

Resolved, That the Association express to Gov. Seymour the earnest hope 
that while withdrawing for the present from active participation in its affairs, 
he will still continue to assist it with his advice which his wisdom and experi- 
ence render so valuable. 

Resolved, That as his resignation has been reluctantly accepted, entirely 
from the belief that his health would be imperiled were he to continue in the 
offices of Trustee and President, so it is to be hoped that as soon as he is able 
he will consent again to take the helm. 

Resolved, That it is the sincere hope of the Association that a kind Provi- 
dence will speedily restore him to health; and that the hearts of his friends 
and admirers may be gladdened by seeing him once more in the full meridian 
of his usefulness. 

Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to enter these resolutions in full 
upon the minutes of the Association, and also to transmit a copy of them, 
signed by the committee having them in charge, to the Hon. Horatio Seymour 
at his home in Utica. 

D. F. Ritchie, 

Mrs. E. H. Walworth, 

Wm. L, Stone. 

The Secretary formally announced that the Congress of the United 
States, mainly through the exertions of John H. Starin, had appropriated the 
sum of $30,000 toward the Monument, and that the following was the bill as 
amended by the Senate and passed by the House on the 3d of the presen* 
month : 



60 HISTORY OF THE SAJIATOGA MONUMENT AS60CIATI01?. 

[Public — No. 91.] 

AN ACT to provide for the erection of a Monument at Schuylerville, New 
York, commemorative of the Battle of Saratoga and for other purposes. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of 
America in Congress assembled. 

Whereas, Horatio Seymour and other patriotic gentlemen of the State of 
New York did, in the year eighteen hundred and fifty-nine, organize the 
" Saratoga Monument Association " under a perpetual charter from the Legis- 
lature of said State, whose object was the erection of a fitting memorial on 
the site of Burgoyne's surrender ; and 

Whereas, The sum of ten thousand dollars has already been donated by 
the citizens of said State, with which sum said Association has been enabled 
to purchase two acres of land near the mouth of Fish Creek, on the high 
ground overlooking the meadow where the British laid down their arms at 
the battle of Saratoga ; and 

Whereas, Said Association has recently built upon said lot the foundation 
of the Monument, of concrete, forty feet square and eight feet deep, as well 
as a quarter of the granite plinth or base (covering the entire foundation), 
four and one-half feet high, and the corner stone, ten feet square and two feet 
high ; therefore 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of 
America in Congress assembled, That the sum of thirty thousand dollars be, and 
the same is, hereby appropriated out of any money in the Treasury not other- 
wise appropriated, to be expended by said Association under the direction of 
its Building Committee, in erecting at Schuylerville, State of New York, upon 
said foundation, the Monument hereinbefore referred to ; the same to be of 
granite and of the obelisk form ; the main shaft to be twenty feet square, and 
the height one hundred and fifty feet, as designed by J. C. Markham, of New 
York City, and adopted by said Association Provided, That before trans- 
ferring said money, or any part thereof, to the Saratoga Monument Asso- 
ciation, it shall be made to appear to the satisfaction of the Secretary of 
the Treasury, who shall so certify, that a sum of money has been raised 
by said Association which, together with the sum hereby appropriated, 
shall be sufficient to complete the Monument in accordance with the de- 
sign specified in this act. 

Approved, March 3, 1881. 

The following letters were read : 

New York, March 29, 1881. 
W. L. Stone, Esq. 

Dear Sir — Yours of the 26th received. It will be impossible for me 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 6 1 

to be present at the Delavan House meeting on the 31st inst., in which 
case I authorize you to vote for me. 

What I desire particularly to urge upon the meeting is immediate action. 
Advertise at once for bids on the stonework of the Monument, in accordance 
with the plans and specifications, and go ahead and build it ; the $40,000 
raised is sufficient for this purpose. If additional sums are needed for tab- 
lets, etc., when the stonework is completed, it can then be attended to. 
If we delay a year or two to raise more money, change plans, etc., it is 
doubtful if it will ever be built. 

Very truly yours, 

John H. Starin. 



Mr. W. L. Stone, Secretary. 

Dear Sir — I regret that I am not able to attend the meeting of the 
Directors of the Association at Albany. I hope the work of erecting the 
Monument will not be indefinitely postponed, but will commence this 
spring. Congress has, in a patriotic spirit, made an appropriation for the 
Saratoga Monument, which is valuable even more than the amount. The 
nation has thereby made the Monument its own, and the business must 
not languish. Will you do me the favor to vote for me ? You see the 
spirit with which I would act were I to be present. 

I am, very truly yours, 

Algernon Sullivan. 



New York City, March 27, 1881, 
To the Committee of Design of the Saratoga Monument Association. 

Gentlemen — In response to your question, Can the Saratoga Monument 
be built in accordance with the design described in the Bill of Congress 
appropriating $30,000 for the purpose, for the sum of $40,000 ? I give it 
as my opinion that it can, not including the bronze statuary and interior fin- 
ish, which have hitherto been regarded as individual works, hereafter to be 
placed in commemoration of persons or families. In order to settle this 
question, I would recommend that the Building Committee advertise for 
proposals to build the Monument. 

As to any question of further change of design, I see no reason for any. 
The first order that I received from your Committee was for a design 
grander than any in this country, and higher than that of Bunker Hill; but 
the people, in the condensed wisdom of their legislative function, having 
determined that $40,000 is enough to build your Monument 20 feet square and 
150 feet high, and according to this design, will you go on and build it, or 



62 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

will you abandon all that you have done — remove the foundation and corner 
stone already laid, and begin again where you and others begun more 
than twenty years ago ? 

Yours respectfully, 

J. C. Markham, Architect. 

The Association then determined that there should be no change of de- 
sign, and by an unanimous vote ordered the Building Committee to proceed 
with the work of building as soon as practicable, after Gov. Seymour's 
wise suggestions regarding the preliminary steps had been complied with. 
To further this, with the understanding, however, that no contract should 
be give out until the site had been secured and Secretary Windom consulted, 
the following resolution was passed : 

Resolved, That the Building Committee advertise until the 3d day of 
the coming May, in three New York, two county and one Albany paper (or 
in as many of the above as in their judgment they may deem necessary), 
for proposals to build the Monument. 

Mrs. E. H. Walworth, as Chairman of the Memorial Committee, submit- 
ted the following report : 

A meeting of the Committee was held at Saratoga Springs on October 
9th. Mrs. Walworth, Mr. James M. Marvin, Mr. D. F. Ritchie and Mr. N. B. 
Sylvester were among those present. A letter from Mr. W. L. Stone, a mem- 
ber of the Committee, was read, in which, after expressing regret for his 
absence, he says : " Since the last meeting of the Association I have been in 
correspondence with the Earl of Carnarvon, who succeeded Lord Derby in 
the Premiership of England. He takes great interest in everything that relates 
to the Burgoyne campaign, and believes it will not be difficult to have the 
English Government, through its Parliament, contribute an amount sufficient 
to erect a substantial and elegant monument over the spot where General 
Frazer is buried. Lord Carnarvon also will individually contribute a memorial 
tablet at Dovegat's house (Coveville) to mark the spot where his great aunt. 
Lady Harriet Acland, left the British lines to join her husband in the camp of 
General Gates." 

The Committee then took into consideration the question of raising a 
fund for the erection of tablets. Mrs. Walworth read the following extracts 
from a letter received by her from Gov. Seymour : 

" I like your plan for marking places of interest around Saratoga. Many 
now drive with indifference past spots which they would look upon with great 
interest if they knew their value. I think you can bring about your plan, if, 
in the place of trying to raise a sum to pay for the cost of marking stones in a 
general way, you ask different persons to give a tablet of some kind for a 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 63 

particular spot. In most cases $50 or $100 will be enough. Some may be 
desirous of spending more. I will put up something to mark the place where 
a line of defenses were thrown up in front of the tavern at the village of 
Bemis Heights." 

The Committee then resolved to adopt the method of raising funds 
suggested by ex-Governor Seymour. The erection of flagstafifs at Bemis 
Heights, near Neilson's, and on Burgoyne's Hill, near Freeman's farm, was 
proposed. These are the highest points, and mark the northern and southern 
limits of the fighting ground. 

The Committee resolved to visit the battle-field in a body to locate the 
points where the tablets should be erected, and adjourned to meet on the 
battle-ground October 23, 1880. 

Although all the members of the Committee were prepared for the expe- 
dition at the date agreed on, a heavy rain compelled a postponement. 

It was not practicable to get the Committee together again last year, but 
the Chairman visited the battle-ground several times in the autumn and made 
a comparison of the traditionary localities with military and other maps, to 
identify the places most important to be marked. She also obtained the con- 
sent of several of the property owners of these localities to the erection of 
tablets on their ground, and their hearty co-operation in the plans of the Com- 
mittee, and has also accepted the generous offer of Mr. Markham, the architect 
of the Monument, to draw simple designs for the tablets. 

The report was accepted, and the Committee authorized to erect the 
tablets, with the proviso that they do not exceed their funds. 

It may be readily understood, that the above letter from Mr. Starin, in 
which he advocates so urgently a prompt building of the Monument, led to a 
warm response from those present when he was nominated by Mr. W. L. Stone 
for President of the Association, in place of Gov. Seymour, resigned, and 
when it was further stated that Gov. Seymour heartily recommended his 
election. 

Hon. John H. Starin was then unanimously elected President of the 
Saratoga Monument Association. 

Upon being notified of his election, he sent the following letter : 

New York, April ist, 1881. 
Wm. L. Stone, Esq., Jersey City Heights. 

My Dear Sir — Your letter of 23d ult., apprising me of the action of the 
" Saratoga Monument Association," at a special meeting held at the Delavan 
House, Albany, yesterday, received. I regret most sincerely that the health 
of Gov. Seymour renders it imperative for him to withdraw from the Presi- 
dency of the Association. His name, influence and active exertions in behalf 



64 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

of the undertaking, has contributed more than anything else to the success 
attained. 

I trust that, although withdrawing from active participation in its affairs, 
he will continue to assist us with the advice which his wisdom and experi- 
ence render so valuable. I cannot but feel complimented and gratified that 
he should have expressed a wish that I should be his successor, and that the 
Association with such unanimity ratified the request. I accept the honor 
gratefully, and will perform the duty of the office to the best of my ability. I 
not only have no objections to the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Pruyn 
being filled by the election of Gen. Husted, but should be much pleased 
thereat. 

I think the Association showed wisdom in deciding to accept the present 
design and to commence work at once. 

Yours sincerely, 

John H. Starin. 

A special meeting of the Association was held in Albany, N. Y., on June 
28th, 1881. Among the letters read were the following: 

Dear Mr. Stone — Yours of the 2d inst., advising me of my election as a 

Trustee of the Saratoga Monument Association, is received. You know my 

engagements, and if you risk me I am content, but it is a hazard to select 

such a political person as I am. 

With respect, 

S. S. Cox. 



Trenton, Wayne Co., Mich., June 27th, 1881. 
Mr. W. L. Stone, Sec'y S. M. A. 

Dear Sir — Yours of the 20th received. I am fully and heartily in accord 
with the tablet idea, most happily conceived and timely acted upon. Every 
season has its boom, and let this be the year of monuments. 

Among the list of points at which tablets are proposed to be erected I do 
not find that unheaded barrel of rum of which Arnold is said to have partaken 
a " dipperful " just before he made that headlong charge into the British camp. 

Now, is this fact or fiction ? If a fact, out with it. Let the whole story 
be told. No link can be spared in this chain of events; we must bear in mind 
that rum was in the list of rations in that day. Be that as it may, there is no 
discount on the fact that the battles of Saratoga were the stand-up fights of 
the war. 

Erect the tablets, and the Tally-Ho coach will be announced " for the bat- 
tle-fields " as familiarly as it is now for " Saratoga Lake," and cannot fail to be 
a favorite suburb of Saratoga Springs. 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 65 

That we may all live to see a completed Monument, is the fervent wish 
and hope of 

Your sincere friend, 

Giles Slocum. 

The resignations of Dr. Payne and Hon. W. Bacon were received with 
regret. George L. Schuyler and Parker Handy of New York City were 
elected to fill these vacancies. 

Hon. D. S. Potter reported that a law had been passed by the Legislature, 
and signed by Governor Cornell, which would enable the Association to settle 
all difficulties concerning the land on which the Monument was to be built. 
A committee consisting of Messrs. Ford, Potter and Ritchie were appointed to 
arrange this matter. 

Mrs. Walworth, having been requested by parties in New York City to 
try and secure the influence of the Association in behalf of a bill of which Mr. 
Astor had charge in the New York Legislature, offered the following resolu- 
tion : "That Senator Wagner, Hon. J. W, Husted and Hon. D. S. Potter, 
Trustees of the Saratoga Monument Association, be requested to urge upon 
the Legislature now in session the propriety of authorizing the Governor of 
the State of New York to extend the courtesies of the State to the representa- 
tives of the French Government who have accepted the invitation of the 
United States to be present at the Yorktown centennial, and to make a suit- 
able appropriation for this purpose." 

It was passed unanimously. 

At the annual meeting in Saratoga Springs, August 9, 1881, the Building 
Committee reported that the contract for building the stonework of the Monu- 
ment had been given to Messrs. Booth Bros., as the lowest bidders. Resolu- 
tions were then passed requiring the contractors to give bonds for the faithful 
performance of the work, and instructing the Treasurer to make payments 
only upon certificates of the architect, approved by the Executive Committee; 
also to make a payment to the architect at the time the first payment was 
made to the contractors. 

Mr. Ford reported that the Committee appointed to perfect the title to the 
land for the Monument had been successful in their arrangements. 

There was a discussion in regard to the design for eagles and lions, which 
were intended to ornament the exterior of the Monument. Mr. Marvin 
expressed the sentiment of the meeting when he proposed to omit the lions as 
there represented, in deference to the good state of feeling now existing 
between the United States and Great Britain. It may be said here, that the 
models of carved eagles designed by Mr. Markham, and afterwards accepted 
by the Committee on Design, may be considered true works of historic art, 



66 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

and they add much to the dignity and beauty of the Monument. This is the 
more noticeable, as either despondent or flaunting representations of the 
national bird are so numerous. 

At this time the following resolution was passed : 

Whereasy This Association has entered into a contract for the erection of 
the Saratoga Monument in accordance with the designs of the architect, but 
with certain carving, statuary, etc., omitted in order to bring the cost of the 
same within the means now at the command of the Association ; and, 

WhereaSy Such omissions, if not supplied, will materially injure the effect, 
and destroy the allegorical significance of the Monument ; therefore. 

Resolved, That this Association will take all measures that are necessary 
to raise additional funds, by national or State appropriations, or otherwise, 
for the completion of the Monument in a manner worthy of the event it is 
intended to commemorate. 

At this point Judge Kirk, a Trustee from South Carolina, made some 
interesting remarks, in which he said that Saratoga did not belong to New 
York alone but to the nation. He thought, therefore, that South Carolina 
would, perhaps, next winter, appropriate at least $1,500 for the interior finish 
of the monument. 

Judge Kirk was true to his promise, and repeatedly made an effort to 
secure this appropriation, sometimes with flattering prospects of success. 
But the indifference of the remaining original thirteen States seemed to 
discourage South Carolina in her good intention. 

The year 1881 proved to be a very busy one for the members of the As- 
sociation. Still another special meeting took place at Schuylerville on the 
1 8th of October. Here resolutions were passed requiring the Treasurer to 
file bonds to secure the $30,000 which he was also authorized to receive and 
pay out to contractors, architects, etc. 

Mr. Ford reported that the title to the land having been secured, suffi- 
cient money had now been raised to pay for it, independent of the $30,000 
which could not be used for this purpose. He was indebted to Mr. Stone for 
having secured several hundred dollars toward this fund. Gov. Seymour had 
given $400, and Mr. Kelly of Rochester had paid the last $100. The amount 
required and raised was $1,724. 

Mr. Markham, the architect, reported the progress made in the erection 
of the Monument. He was then instructed to furnish the Executive Com- 
mittee with a copy of all estimates for work, and also with a plan of the 
Monument, divided into sections, with estimates of the quantity and value of 
the stonework in each of such sections, that payments might not be made 
faster than the work progressed. 

Thus from the very beginning of the building of the Saratoga Monument 




WILLIAM L. STONE, 
SECRETARY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 67 

was the management of the work as carefully conducted and as economi- 
cally planned as if it had been a private enterprise. 

The year 1882 opened for the Association with a special meeting at 
Albany, where the Trustees had been called to appear before the Committee 
of Ways and Means of the Legislature, to solicit an appropriation of 
$15,000 for advancing the original plans of the Monument. They met 
at the Delavan House, with Mrs. Walworth in the chair. The Secretary, Mr. 
Stone, announced the death of "a valued member of the Association," 
Webster Wagner. A committee, composed of Mr. Giles Slocum, W. L. Stone 
and D. F. Ritchie, was appointed to draw up resolutions expressive of the 
sorrow of the Association at his death. Hon. W. A. Sackett was elected to 
fill the place of Mr. Wagner. The meeting then adjourned, and the Trus- 
tees went in a body to the Capitol, where Mr. Sackett made an eloquent 
address and earnest appeal to the Legislative Committee in behalf of the 
Monument, asking for the appropriation of $15,000. Gen. Bullard and Mr. 
Stone ably seconded this appeal, and Mr. Markham's drawings were exhib- 
ited to the Committee, who appeared to be much interested and willing 
to give the matter a fair consideration. 

In February of this year, Hon. George West had introduced into 
Congress, and had referred to the Library Committee, a bill in behalf 
of the Saratoga Monument Association, which contained a provision for all 
Revolutionary battle-fields. 

The regular annual meeting of the Association was held in Saratoga 
Springs, at the United States Hotel, on the 8th of August, 1882. Hon. George 
W. Curtis and Mr. W. L. Stone, Jr., were elected Trustees. 

Hon. D. S. Potter, Chairman of the Executive Committee, submitted the 
following, viz.: That at a meeting of this Committee, held at the United 
States Hotel, Saratoga Springs, June 14th last, at which were present Hon. 
James M. Martin, Col. D. F. Ritchie, himself and J. C Markham, the architect, 
a statement was presented showing that the sum of $16,101.95 ^^^ already 
been expended in material and labor, and to the architect ; Mr. Markham hav- 
ing received $1,484,07. An additional installment of $5,000 was ordered paid 
to the contractors in accordance with the terms of the contract. This left at 
that date, viz , June 14th, a balance in the hands of the Treasurer, D. A. Bul- 
lard, of $18,898.05. 

Mr. Potter further stated that in addition to the above amount, at that 
time unexpended by the Treasurer, the further sum of $15,000 had been ap- 
propriated by the New York Legislature at its last session, for the completion 
of the outside of the Monument, of which the following was the full text of 
the bill : 

Section i. The Treasurer shall pay, on the warrant of the Comptroller, 



68 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

from any funds not otherwise appropriated, to the persons to be appointed 
commissioners as hereinafter provided, fifteen thousand dollars, which sum 
is hereby appropriated to aid in the erection of a suitable monument at 
Schuylerville, New York, in commemoration of the decisive battle of the Rev- 
olution and the surrender of General Burgoyne, on the seventeenth day of 
October, seventeen hundred and seventy-seven. Said money shall be expended 
under the supervision of three commissioners to be appointed by the Governor, 
who shall file a verified statement and vouchers for such expenditure, in the 
office of the Comptroller, within sixty days after said money shall have been 
expended, it being understood that said sum of fifteen thousand dollars will 
complete said Monument, and the State is hereby relieved from the payment 
of any further or additional sum of money to complete the same. 

In accordance with said bill, continued the speaker, Hon. Charles S. Les- 
ter and Hon. John M. Davison, of Saratoga Springs, and James H. Dillingham, 
of Schuylerville, had been appointed by Governor Cornell, commissioners to 
carry said bill into effect ; that on the 13th of last April a contract had been 
entered into by the Building Committee for the eagles, contingent upon the 
then expected appropriation of $15,000 by the New York Legislature, the 
original of which was in the possession of the Secretary of the Association. 

Mr. Potter, resuming his remarks, gave a full report of the progress of 
the building of the Monument up to the present time. The Monument, he 
stated, had now attained the height of forty-two feet and one-half ; and 
arrangements had been made by which the contractor, for the amount in hand, 
which included the last appropriation of $15,000, would complete the outside 
stone work of the Monument including the eagles and the other carving con- 
templated by the design. 

Mrs. E. H.Walworth, as Chairman of the Committee on Tablets designed 
to mark the prominent points during the progress of the battle of the 19th of 
September and the 7th of October, 1777, submitted the following report: 

Your Committee on Memorial Tablets, would respectfully report that 
they have visited the battle-ground at Bemis Heights, and with great care 
have located nineteen points of especial interest on and near the field. Stakes 
have been driven to designate the exact spots upon which many of the stones 
will be erected. These stones we propose to have principally of granite, cor- 
responding in size to the amount subscribed by the individual donors. A few 
important points which are distant from the road may be marked by stones of 
a lighter color, that they may be more easily seen ; but it is intended that 
they shall be of durable material. Each stone will have a polished surface 
on the top and on one side, to receive the inscriptions. As far as practicable, 
the owners of property on which these historic points are located have been 
consulted, and they have been found ready to cooperate cordially with the 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 69 

work of the committee. We herewith submit letters received from Hon. 
George West, Mrs. J. V. L. Pruyn, G. B. Slocum, J. C. Markham, and George 
A. Ensign and others, in relation to the proposed tablets, and also the follow- 
ing list of points selected for commemoration : 

Saratoga Battle Ground Memorial Tablets. Points Located 

July 28, 1882. 

No. I. Stake marked " Freeman's Farm," or site of cottage, located four 
rods southwest of barns and six rods northwest of soldiers' well on the farm 
now occupied by W. T. Baker, owned by Ebenezer Leggett and called the 
Brightman farm. 

No. 2. " Balcarras Redoubt," on knoll with one tree, a little southwest of 
Freeman's cottage, No. i. 

No. 3. Stake marked "Frazer's Camp," located about thirty rods north- 
east of No. I, on the road to Wilbur's Basin, near property of Joseph Buck. 

No. 4. Stake marked "Arnold wounded — Breyman's Redoubt," located 
on Burgoyne's Hill about one hundred rods northwest of No. i. Property of 
E. Leggett. 

No. 5. Spot where " Frazer fell," marked on the fence of Perry Condlin's 
farm on the road from Quaker Springs to Bemis' Heights, also indicated by 
a board fastened to a tree by Elisha Freeman. 

No. 6. " British line of Battle, Oct. 7th," marked on fence posts on the 
same road to Bemis' Heights about two-thirds down the southern slope of 
hill owned by Widow Freeman and Patrick Welch, about forty rods south of 
No. 5. 

No. 7. " Morgan's Hill," at the turn in the same road. 

No. 8. Northwest angle of American breastworks at Bemis' Heights, and 
site of Fort Nelson. Mark on fence near George Neilson's farm house, now 
occupied by H. C. Farrington, where Morgan and Poor had their head- 
quarters, and Major Ackland lay wounded. 

No. 9. Stake marked " General Gates' Headquarters" (site of Wood- 
worth house), near old tree and well on farm of P. M. Baggs, south of 
Neilson's. 

No. 10. "Site of Bemis' Tavern, 1777," marked on fence near liberty 
pole north of the present Bemis' Heights Hotel. 

No. II. " Dirck Swart's House" — General Schuyler's headquarters at 
Stillwater village. 

No. 12. " American entrenchment near Mill Creek," on river road, where 
skirmish took place September 19. 

No, 13. "Place of Lady Ackland's embarkation." 

No. 14. " Site of Sword's House," north of the Taylor House. 



70 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

No. 15. Stake marked "Taylor's House," where there are indications of 
a cellar in a field owned by Philip C. Cotton at the foot of the third hill north 
of Wilbur's basin, and behind the Terry House. 

No. 16. Stake marked " Frazer buried," near a tree on top of the second 
hill north of Wilbur's basin. 

No. 17. Position of American artillery, October 8, on wooded plateau 
just south of Wilbur's basin. 

No. 18. Stake marked " Burgoyne's Headquarters," on the plain one mile 
east of Freeman's farm, north side of road to Wilbur's basin. 

No. 19. " British Redoubt." Indication of it remains, south of Burgoyne's 
headquarters. 

No. 20. "Old Battle Well," Freeman's farm. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

On motion, the report was fully approved, and the Committee ordered to 
proceed in accordance with the plan submitted. 

The Secretary, W. L. Stone, then, as Chairman of the Committee for 
obtaining from the United States Government the cannon surrendered by 
Burgoyne, submitted the following : That a bill to give the cannon to the 
Association had passed the House of Representatives at its last session ; that 
this was mainly due to the exertions of Hon. S. S. Cox (a Trustee of the 
Association), and Hon. Cyrus D. Prescott, M. C, before the Military Com- 
mittee which had submitted to the house a favorable report. 

The following is a copy of the bill : 

In THE House of Representatives. — March 22, 1882. 

Read twice, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered 
to be printed. 

Mr. Samuel S. Cox introduced the following bill (H. R. 5377) : 

To authorize the Secretary of War to deliver certain cannon to the Sara- 
toga Monument Association. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of 
America in Congress assembled. That the Secretary of War be, and is hereby 
authorized to deliver to the Saratoga Monument Association the following 
cannon, and so forth, captured from General Burgoyne at Saratoga, and now 
on hand at the Watervliet Arsenal, West Troy, New York, namely : Four 
twelve-pounder guns, one eight-inch .howitzer, one twenty-four-pounder 
howitzer, one eight-inch mortar, and one twenty-four-pounder mortar, all 
bronze. 

That this bill, on reaching the Senate, had been reported upon adversely 
notwithstanding the efforts of Senator Miller to obtain a favorable report ; 




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HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. "/l 

that while Senator Miller succeeded in having the bill recommitted, yet it 
had lapsed by not having been taken up before the final adjournment of 
Congress. 

U. S. Senate Chamber, Washington, July i, 1882. 

W. L. Stone, Esq., Jersey City Heights, N. J. 

My Dear Sir — The Military Committee reported adversely upon the bill 
granting the cannon to the Saratoga Monument. They are very strongly 
opposed to allowing the trophies of the battle of Saratoga to go out of the 
possession of the General Government. I, however, had the vote reconsidered 
and had the bill recommitted to the committee, with the hope of being able 
to get them to consent to give the Monument Association the cannon. I am 
not at all certain that I will be able to do that, but will use my best endeavors 
to accomplish that result. 

Yours truly, 

Warner Miller. 

And finally, that there is no occasion for the Association to despair or to 
give the matter up, as the following letter from one who, as a patriot, and as 
representing in Congress the classic soil of Oriskany, has the matter deeply 
at heart, shows : 

Rome, N. Y., August 5th, 1882. 
Mr. W. L. Stone. 

Dear Sir — Your favor is at hand, and please accept thanks for your 
thoughtfulness. I see no reason why the matter of the cannon, the coming 
winter, cannot be finally adjusted to the satisfaction of the Association and 
all of its friends. 

Yours with respect, 

C. D. Prescott, 

The Secretary, then, in the absence of the Hon. Giles B. Slocum, reported 
the following: 

Resolved, That in the recent death of the late Webster Wagner we mourn 
the loss of an associate whose public and private character commanded our 
respect ; whose many and varied services within and without the Senate 
have greatly furthered the advancement of the interest of the Saratoga 
Monument in the success of which his heart was deeply enlisted ; and whose 
warm enthusiasm and active efforts on behalf of this Association justly claim 
this tribute to his memory. 



72 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed to enter these resolutions on 
the minutes, and also send a copy of them to the wife of the deceased, 

Giles B. Slocum, 
D. F. Ritchie, 
Wm. L. Stone, 
Mrs. E. H. Walworth. 

In reference to the future dedication of the Monument, the following 
resolution was adopted : 

Resolved, That a committee consisting of Messrs. Ford, Potter, D. A. 
Bullard, Mayhew, Marvin, Sackett and Ritchie be appointed and empowered 
to adopt such measures as they shall deem to be advisable with a view to the 
proper conduct of the dedication of the Monument, the time to be left to 
them ; further, that the Association would be pleased to have them consult 
regarding this matter with Messrs. C. S. Lester, J. M. Davison and Mr. J. H. 
Dillingham. 

And also the following : 

Resolved, That Wm. L. Stone, P. C. Ford and Mrs. E. H. Walworth be 
appointed a committee to invite such orators and speakers as they deem best 
to participate in the exercises consequent upon the completion of the 
Monument. 

Mr. Ford then stated that as the main walls of the Monument would be 
finished late in the coming fall, and the time of final completion was not yet 
known, the dedication ceremonies would probably not be before the summer 
or autumn of 1883. 

The autumn of 1882 showed the exterior walls of the Saratoga Monu- 
ment completed. When the cap-stone had been laid in its place, on November 
3rd, Mr. Henry Langtry, under whose immediate direction the work had 
been done, seated himself upon it and unfurled the Stars and Stripes. Thus 
the patriotic work, conceived twenty-six years before by a few persons, 
brought together at the Old Schuyler Mansion, near the foot of this grand 
structure, then but an ideal, had reached its culmination. 

To the members of the Association and to the President, Mr. Starin, all 
of whom had struggled and labored for its completion, it might well be con- 
sidered with pride and satisfaction, as is evinced by the following description 
written at the time by Mr. Stone : 

"The Monument, which is of rock-faced New London granite and is 154 
feet high, stands on a high bluff some 250 feet above and overlooking the 
Hudson, thus giving it an actual height above the river level of 400 feet. In 
its base there is a room 14 feet square, with entrances on each of the four 
sides. From this room a temporary staircase, soon to be replaced by one of 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 73 

bronze, leads to the top, from which is seen the whole region of country 
between Lake George on the northwest, the Green Mountains on the east, 
and the Catskills on the south, the varieties of upland and lowland being lost 
in the almost perpendicular line of vision in which they are presented to 
the view. 

" The entrances at the base are about fourteen feet in height and will have 
double doors of oak, with polished plate glass panels and brass trimmings. 
At the second floor there is a niche on each side of the Monument for a statue. 
The niches will be backed with hammered plate glass. Over the entrances 
gables rise to a height of forty-two feet, and at each corner of the Monument 
at a height of about twenty feet, a granite eagle with half-folded wings, 
measuring about seven feet across the back, has been placed. The cornices 
of each of the doors and windows are supported by pillars of polished black 
granite from Maine, with carved capitals. There are forty pillars in all. The 
drip-stones on the buttresses at the base, the capitals and other trimmings 
are of granite from Long Cove, Maine. 

"All that now remains to be finished is the sculptured inside decorations, 
and the placing of several pieces of cannon. The architect of the Monument, 
Mr. J. C. Markham, of^ Jersey City Heights, is now engaged in completing 
drawings for the sculptured work which will line the inside, and represent 
historical and allegorical scenes connected with the closing period of the 
Revolution. In the second story there will be tablets bearing the names of the 
past and present officers of the Association. In the niches, on three sides, 
statues of General Philip Schuyler, General Daniel Morgan and General 
Horatio Gates will be placed. The statues are to be of bronze. The fourth 
niche will be left unfilled, with the name " Arnold " carved underneath. A 
bill is now before the United States Senate for the delivery to the Monument 
Association of four twelve-pound guns, one eighteen-inch howitzer, one twenty- 
four-pound howitzer, one eight-inch mortar, all bronze, which were captured 
from Gen. Burgoyne at Saratoga, and which are now at the Watervliet 
Arsenal, West Troy. General J. Watts de Peyster has also given a cannon 
to be placed within a few feet of the Monument, which, when entirely com- 
pleted, will have cost about $125,000. The cannon captured from General 
Burgoyne, if secured, will be distributed inside and outside of the Monu- 
ment. One cannon will be placed at each corner of the base. The grounds 
are about three acres in extent, and front on Burgoyne avenue. They will 
be tastefully laid out with several carriage roads and footpaths through them 
and running around the Monument, which stands in a circular plot." 

At the last annual meeting of the Trustees, August 8th, 1882, resolutions 
had been passed and committees appointed looking toward an early dedica- 
tion of the Monument. This brought into prominence the artistic interior 



74 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONTIMENT ASSOCIATION. 

finish and the bronze statues for the exterior, which belonged to the design 
as it had been accepted. Numerous appeals also came to the Association to 
erect a statue to General Schuyler before a celebration should be held. The 
President, Mr. Starin, had the matter under very grave consideration, and, 
therefore, at the special meeting held in New York, December 20, 1883, he 
advised delay, and said that the excitement incidental to a Presidential elec- 
tion, as well as other considerations, would prove prejudicial to a celebration 
which would be worthy of the occasion. Mr. George W. Curtis also said: 
" That nearly twenty years elapsed between the laying of the corner stone of 
of Bunker Hill Monument and its formal dedication, and that a delay in the 
present case would work no ill, as the public had, so to speak, a satiety of 
centennial celebrations." Mr. Ford also sent copies of a letter he had 
addressed to the public, in an appeal for funds for the statue of General 
Schuyler, and some letters which had been received in reply. Mr. Ford's 
letter was as follows : 

" Disappointment having been expressed on the part of some that it has 
been decided not to celebrate the completion of the Saratoga Monument until 
another year, I desire to call attention to one very important reason (to say 
nothing of several others that might be mentioned) why it would be unwise 
and improper to hold the celebration the present 3'ear. In the first place, it 
would hardly seem appropriate to celebrate the completion of an incomplete 
work It is true that the granite shaft of the Monument has been finished ; 
that its towering and graceful proportions present the appearance of comple- 
tion, and yet the most interesting and suggestive part of the Monument, as 
designed by the architect, is still wanting. I refer to the statue of General 
Philip Schuyler. 

" All who have read with attention the story of Burgoyne's campaign must 
feel that General Schuyler is the one figure rising above all others connected 
with those stirring events, as worthy of our respect and admiration. It was 
he who prepared the harvest for another to reap. It was he who fairly won 
the laurels that were placed upon the brow of Gates. It was he whose untir- 
ing exertions impeded and harrassed the invading army until a sufficient force 
could be organized to deal it the decisive and fatal blow. On the very eve of 
victory he was displaced by General Gates. Slander, intrigue and faction 
robbed him of the honor and triumph that were almost within his grasp, and 
for a time obscured his fame ; but in the calm light of history we have learned 
to place a true estimate upon his character and services. To him more than 
to any other do we owe the grand results achieved in the surrender of Bur- 
goyne. Unlike Arnold, although wounded to the heart, he endured the injus- 
tice heaped upon him with manly fortitude and with no abatement of patriotic 
devotion to his country's cause. Ex-Governor Seymour has well said : 'We 





EX-VICE-PRESIDENT SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 



^ 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 75 

could not well lose from our history his example of patriotism, and of per- 
sonal honor and chivalry. We could not spare the proof which his case 
furnishes, that virtue triumphs in the end. We would not change if we could 
the history of his trials, for we feel that they gave lustre to his character.' 

" If Saratoga is worthy of a monument (and who can say it is not ?) then, 
certainly, the name and fame of General Schuyler are worthy to be associated 
with it in the most expressive, tangible and enduring form that art can 
devise. Without this, embellish the structure as you may, and it will come 
far short of its design ; it will lack that which, if supplied, would be its most 
fitting and eloquent characteristic ; it will fail to recall, in their full force and 
import, the momentous events it is intended to commemorate, and to tell as it 
ought to tell 'of our gratitude to those who, through suffering and sacrifice, 
wrought out the independence of our country.' General Schuyler's statue, 
connected with the Monument as designed, would be a fitting, although a 
tardy tribute to his memory, overlooking as it would his broad estate, his 
summer home, the village still bearing his name, and the scene of the brilliant 
victories and final surrender he was so largely instrumental in securing. It is 
a tribute every patriotic citizen, especially every citizen of Saratoga county, 
ought, it seems to me, most earnestly to insist shall be paid before the com- 
pletion of the Saratoga Monument shall be celebrated." 

These are among the letters received by Mr. Ford: 

Sir — I have your favor of the 2d inst., and the paper containing the 
notice of General Schuyler, for which please receive my sincere thanks. In 
terse and eloquent terms it covers the ground of Gen. Schuyler's services and 
sacrifices in the war of the Revolution. 

I need not say how much his family would be gratified at having a statue 
erected in his honor by the citizens of his native State, or of the United States, 
under the auspices of the Saratoga Monument Association. 

Very truly yours, 

George L. Schuyler. 



New York, May 7th. 

My Dear Sir — I have your note of the 2d, and have no doubt that it 
would be harder to raise the money for the Schuyler statue after the celebra- 
tion than before; and as it seems to be an integral part of the Monument, it 
should be in place when the completion is celebrated. Indeed, how is a work 
complete without all its parts finished? I agree with you that an address 



70 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

upon Schuyler at the unveiling would be an interesting chapter of New York 

history. As one of the committee, I hope to have a voice in the selection of a 

sculptor for the statue. 

Very truly yours, 

George William Curtis. 



Ithaca, N. Y., May 5th. 

My Dear Sir — Referring to your letter of May 3d, I am glad to see that 
you are moving in the matter of a statue to Gen. Schuyler. It seems to me 
that the placing of such a statue on your beautiful Monument is not only due 
in reparation to the honored subject of it, but is an incentive to patriotism 
hereafter. 

Allow me to say, also, that having traveled much over the world, and 
seen many monuments erected in honor of distinguished men and in com- 
memoration of noted events, I have difficulty in recalling one more interesting 
than your own, marking as it does the spot of one of the few great decisive 
battles of the world, and presenting, as I conceive, in its sculptured decora- 
tions, one of the happiest ideas ever embodied in a similar structure, namely, 
statues of the three generals who served the country, and the niche left vacant 
where would have been the statue of the fourth, had he not become a traitor 
to his country. 

It seems to me that the erection of these three statues and the leaving 
vacant this fourth niche is a noble idea, which cannot but suggest valuable 
trains of thought to every beholder; the vacant niche, especially, like the 
vacant place of Marino Falieri, in the ducal palace at Venice, will, perhaps, be 
most eloquent of all; but to make it thus eloquent the other three niches 
must be filled. Earnestly wishing you success in your undertaking, I remain, 

Respectfully yours, 

Andrew D. White. 



Dover Plains, N. Y., May loth. 

Dear Sir — If only one statue was to form a part of the Saratoga Monu- 
ment, I think that of Major General Schuyler pre-eminently entitled to that 
distinction. To his wise counsels ; his unselfish patriotism ; to his military 
skill ; to his vigilance, which won for him the name of " The Great Eye of 
the Northern Department ; " to his fortitude ; to his great influence and to 
his patient endurance, truthful history awards the honor of achieving the 
capture of Burgoyne and his army. He prepared the way for Arnold to win 
the prize of honor and fame, so wrongfully awarded to Gates. 

When, many )'ears ago, I was preparing to write a biography of General 



HISTOEY OF THE SAEATOOA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. JJ 

Schuyler, all his collected papers — his letters, books and correspondence, the 
latter embracing about five thousand pieces — were placed in my hands by his 
grandchildren. The careful study of these papers with other cotemporary 
documents, deeply impressed me with the true greatness of Gen. Schuyler's 
character in every phase of it, as a citizen, a soldier and a patriot. He was 
the strong right arm of Washington in the field and out of it, in many a 
perilous hour of the great conflict, and to Schuyler only did the Commander- 
in-Chief, in all his military correspondence, write at the close of his letters, 
" Your affectionate friend." Therefore, with my thorough knowledge of the 
true greatness of the character of Gen. Schuyler, under all circumstances, I 
heartily endorse the words which you have so well and truthfully spoken. 

Yours truly, 

Benson J. Lossing. 

At the same meeting, Mr. Curtis offered this resolution : " That at present 
it is inexpedient to name a particular time for celebrating the completion of 
the Monument." 

The architect was asked about the amount necessary for completion of 
the Monument according to the design, and stated that his estimate for fur- 
nishing the interior of the Monument with the bronze staircases and doors 
and the sculptured allegorical designs for the interior, including the three 
bronze statues to Generals Schuyler, Morgan and Gates, was $100,000, but by 
the substitution of terra cotta it might be reduced to $60,000. 

Mr. Potter then moved " that the whole subject of memorializing Con- 
gress and the State Legislature, the amount to be asked for, and the details 
necessary to carry it to a successful issue, be referred to the Committee on 
Design," which was carried. 

At the annual meeting the following reports were presented : 

The Chairman of the Committee on Tablets reported that the committee, 
as represented by Mrs. E. H. Walworth, Lt. Comd. A. de R. McNair, N. B. 
Sylvester, and Mr. George Ensign, accompanied by Mr. J. W. Drexel and Mr. 
J. H. Ehninger, had visited the battle-ground to inspect the tablets just deliv- 
ered there by the contractors. Booth Bros. They were found satisfactory in 
every respect, and had been correctly placed, under the supervision of Mr. 
Ensign. 

The tablets are of Quincy granite of different dimensions, and are about 
twenty inches square, and from seven to nine feet in length. They have been 
placed upright, and are carefully secured at their base in four feet of grouting. 
The tablets respectively designate the following places : 

First. — The Bemus Tavern, at one time the headquarters of General Gates, 
on the river highway at the foot of Bemus Heights, directl)^ in front of the 



78 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

cellar which indicates the old tavern. This tablet was given by Giles B. 
Slocum, of Michigan. 

Secofid. — Fort Neilson, in the dooryard of William Neilson, on Bemus 
Heights, and on the site of the old Revolutionary house. Given by James M. 
Marvin, of Saratoga Springs. 

Third. — Line of Battle, near Mill Creek, on lands of Perry Congdon, 
originally the Joseph Walker farm. Given by Mrs. J. V. L. Pruyn, of Albany, 
in memory of her husband, who was Vice-President of this Association. 

Fourth. — The Fall of General Frazer, also on the Walker farm, and on the 
spot indicated over half a century ago by Ezra Buel, who was in the battle 
and had personal knowledge concerning this event. The gift of J. W. Drexel. 

Fifth. — Freeman's Farm, the scene of the initial encounter between Mor- 
gan's riflemen and Ackland's grenadiers. It was placed in the dooryard of 
William Esmond, on the site of Elisha Freeman's log house, and is the gift of 
George West, of Ballston Spa. 

Sixth. — Memorial of Nicholas Fish, who fell at the battle of Saratoga, 
October yth, near Mill Creek. It is on the highway, and marks the northern 
line of the American entrenchments, and is the gift of his son, ex-Gov- 
ernor Hamilton Fish, of New York. 

Seventh. — The Line of Retreat, where Burgoyne's army were pressed on 
October 8th. On the premises of George Ensign, and is the gift of the family 
of the late Webster Wagner, of Palatine Bridge, carrying out the expressed 
wish of the deceased. 

It is now proposed to have stones and earth placed about the base of each 
tablet as a protection and for ornament, and also to have the inscriptions 
gilded or blackened, that they may be more easily read from a vehicle by 
those who pass them. The assurance previously received by the committee 
from each property owner, that wherever it was practicable the site of the 
tablet should be thrown into the common, has been carried out except in one 
instance, and we are promised that this one shall be so arranged. 

Subscriptions have been received from two tablets not yet in place — one 
by Mrs. Estelle Willoughby and another by Mr. J. W. Drexel in addition to 
the one already presented. 

The successful placing of these tablets, and the interest they have inspired 
both here and elsewhere, in the historical record of the events they commemo- 
rate, encourage the committee to proceed with increased enthusiasm in this 
work. 

A financial statement of the receipts and expenditures accompanies this 
report. 

The Commissioners, C. G. Lester, J. M. Davison, and S. M, Dillingham, 
appointed by the Governor of the State of New York to carry out the inten- 




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HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 79 

tion of the bill appropriating $15,000, reported, with the items, that the whole 
amount had been paid to the contractors, on the certificate of the architect. 

J. W. Drexel was elected a member of the Association. 

Resolutions of respect and regret were passed upon the announce- 
ment of the death of the Hon. James B. Campbell, of Charleston, S. C. 

The Secretary also announced that through the liberality of the Presi- 
dent, Mr. Starin, he had lately been able to secure for the Association a 
manuscript journal of great value, kept by Captain Pausch, Riedesel's chief 
of artillery, during Burgoyne's campaign. This journal has been preserved 
in the State archives of Cassel, Germany. 

After an adjournment of the meeting, the Trustees spent some time in 
examining the designs of the architect for the bas-reliefs to line the walls of 
the Monument. Some of them had been cast in bronze plates of about two 
feet square, and others had been handsomely photographed on a large scale, 
and all were appropriately framed. They elicited great admiration, and were 
left at the United States Hotel for some time on public exhibition. 

The year 1884 marks an era in the progress of the work of the Saratoga 
Monument Association. The Monument was now erected to its topmost 
stone, and in a manner which is generally considered complete for such com- 
memorative structures. Plain doors and windows, and a simple stairway, 
would put it apparently in suitable condition to stand as the accomplished 
work of the Trustees, to whom this great public and patriotic task had been 
assigned. They might with propriety now hand the Monument over to the 
National Government as a finished structure. To stop now would save them 
a vast amount of work and harrassment and responsibility, and might be 
seriously considered. Did the members of this Association hesitate ? Did 
they fold their hands and say : " We have done enough ; let others do their 
share ?" No ! not for a moment did the patriotism or enthusiasm of their 
purpose fiag, although they knew, as few outside of this Association can 
know, the burden which they cheerfully assumed. Those engaged in disin- 
terested, gratuitous public enterprises will understand the nature of the 
renewed responsibility. This was an effort to carry out the grand and artistic 
conception of the architect, who had devoted many years of study to this par- 
ticular subject. The Trustees appreciated his ideal and believed in it, and 
whatever criticisms may be due to the execution of the work as it was after- 
wards accomplished, should be attributed to the experimental condition of all 
architectural art in our country. 

The best known artists were employed to develop and perfect this noble 
conception of the architect ; and those who honor art, as well as those whose 
hearts burn with love of country, must yield a tribute of appreciation and 
admiration to this new departure in monumental art, and concede that it is a 



80 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

generous effort to develop true American art and perpetuate heroic mem- 
ories. 

The officers and committees were as follows : 

President, John H. Starin ; Vice-Presidents, James M. Marvnn, J. Watts 
Depeyster ; Secretary, William Stone ; Treasurer, D. S. Potter. 

Standing Committees. 

Committee on Design : William L. Stone, John H. Starin, D. F. Ritchie, 
E. F. Bullard, P. C Ford, Algernon S. Sullivan, George William Curtis, 
J. Watts Depeyster, Charles K. Graham, W. A. Sackett. 

Building Committee : P. C. Ford, D. A. Bullard, William L. Stone. 

Executive Committee : D. S. Potter, J. M. Marvin, D. F. Ritchie, P. C. 
Ford, C. W. Mayhew, J. G. Dillingham, C. S. Lester, J. M. Davison. 

Advisor}' Committee : Algernon S. Sullivan, P. C. Ford, E. F. Bullard. 

Committee on the Custody of the Monument : Mrs. E. H. Walworth, 
P. C. Ford, J. H. Dillingham, W. L. Stone. 

Committee on Tablets : Mrs. E. H. Walworth, A. de R. McNair, J. W. 
Drexel. 

Committee on the Proper Conduct of the Dedication of the Monument : 
P. C. Ford, D. S. Potter, S. A. Bullard, C. W. Mayhew, Jas. M. Marvin, 
W. A. Sackett, D. F. Ritchie, Chas. S. Lester, J. M. Davison, J. H. Dillingham. 

Committee on Speakers at the Dedication of the Monument : W. L. Stone, 
P. C. Ford, Mrs. E. H. Walworth. 

The President of the Saratoga Monument Association called a special 
meeting of the trustees February 8, ii>85, at the Gilsey House, in New York 
city, where he had prepared a sumptuous banquet to entertain them, after 
the long session with its perplexing questions had come to an end. 

There were present at this meeting, John H. Starin, President ; James 
M. Marvin and J. Watts Depeyster, Vice-Presidents ; W. L. Stone, Secretary; 
Chas. R. Graham, Algernon S. Sullivan, Jos. W. Drexel, Chas. S. Lester, 
D. S. Potter, J. H. Dillingham, A. B. Baucus, J. M. Davison, W. L. Stone, Jr., 
Edward Wemple, W. A. Sackett, and J. C. Markham the architect. 

Interesting and encouraging letters were read from many distinguished 
Trustees who could not be present. 

The Secretary announced that through the wise and earnest efforts of 
Trustees Cox and Wemple, Congress had appropriated forty thousand dollars 
for the statuary of the Saratoga Monument. 

The Association expressed high appreciation of these efforts, and a vote 
of thanks was also sent to the New York Senators, Mr. Warner Miller and 
Mr. Lapham, for their valuable assistance in obtaining the passage of this 
bill. 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 01 

With regard to the expenditure of this money, there were many points to 
be discussed. Should the three bronze statues be ordered first, or should the 
historical tablets for the walls of the interior precede these ? Or, again, should 
the bronze doors and stairway come before either, or should there be a 
cheaper substitute for them ? Would it be better to advertise for bids for the 
statues, or select well-known artists to offer models ? 

There was a diversity of opinion, but the following resolutions were 
unanimously agreed upon : That the entire question of the statues should be 
left with the Committee on Design ; and the interior tablets should be in the 
same manner in the hands of the architect, and that he would be responsible 
for a proper execution of this work. It was further resolved " that the Com- 
mittee on Design should apply the present appropriation to the three statues 
of Schuyler, Gates and Morgan, and to the interior decoration of one story of 
the Monument." 

Another subject of deliberation was the method of soliciting the Legisla- 
ture of New York for twenty-five thousand dollars for the remaining deco- 
ration of the Monument and for the expenses of the dedication. Mr. D. S. 
Potter submitted the draft of a bill which was approved, and a committee, 
with Mr. Potter as Chairman, was appointed by the President to endeavor to 
secure this appropriation. 

At the annual meeting, August 12, 1884, in Saratoga Springs, the Senior 
Vice-President, James M. Marvin, occupied the chair ; the Secretary, Mr. 
Stone, announced the death of Trustees Giles B, Slocum and Isaac N. Arnold, 
and paid an eloquent tribute to the memory of each. The President, John H. 
Starin, sent the following letter : 

My Dear Sir — It is, I am sure, unnecessary to say to you in writing what 
I have frequently said verbally, that I am thoroughly alive to the importance 
of the meeting of the Saratoga Monument Association to be held the coming 
week. Being so fully impressed with its importance, I regret the more that 
it will not be possible for me to attend, and for the reason that I wished per- 
sonally to bid the Trustees to be of good cheer, and to say to them that I had 
every assurance that we would get an appropriation from the Government at 
the coming session, I had also wished to bear personal testimony to the 
exceedingly able address in behalf of the Monument Association, which was 
delivered before the Congressional Committee by Mr. Algernon S. Sullivan. 
It would also have been appropriate, I think, to have referred to the eloquent 
letter of Mr. George W. Curtis which did good work in the same direction, 
and to bear testimony to the indefatigable energy, tact and good sense dis- 
played by Mr. Congressman Wemple in his efforts to secure the passage of 
the appropriation bill. As it is, however, I am forced to forego these pleas- 
ures ; business of the utmost importance will prevent me from being present 



82 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

with you. My consolation is, that Mr. Marvin, our worthy Vice-President, 
will doubtless be present to preside over your deliberations. 

It will be your duty as Chairman of the Committee on Design to read to 
the meeting the report of that committee. It will doubtless have the more 
weight as it was made unanimously. I sincerely hope the Association will 
approve our action in regard to accepting the architect's designs for the 
interior sculpture which seemed, not only to myself, but to Mr. Curtis, Mr. 
Sullivan, Judge Bacon and Mr. Potter, together with the Library Committee 
of both Houses of Congress, to be exceedingly appropriate, both in the alle- 
gorical ideas conveyed and in the manner in which it is proposed to execute the 
work. I have every reason to believe that there will be no hesitancy in giving 
Mr. Markham, the architect, every credit for his laudable efforts. 

Again regretting that I cannot be present at the meeting, and in the sin- 
cere hope that it may be successful in every way, I have the honor to be 

Sincerely yours, 

John H. Starin. 

The Chairman of the Committee on Design, Mr. W. L. Stone, submitted 
his report, which was unanimously adopted. It gives a resume of the work 
of the Association during the year. He said : " The Committee on Design, 
to which was intrusted the business of approaching Congress, in conformity 
with the by-laws of the Association, held a meeting in New York, in Decem- 
ber, 1883. Designs for the statues and bas-reliefs were submitted by the 
architect, which after a full discussion and interchange of views, were unani- 
mously approved and accepted, and the architect was requested to go on with 
his studies, so that when the expected appropriation from Congress should 
be obtained there might be no delay in their execution. The designs which 
were shown to the Committee and accepted are as follows : The statues are 
to be of bronze and seven feet high ; they represent Generals Gates, Schuyler 
and Morgan, and will fill the niches in the three sides of the Monument, the 
fourth side to be left vacant with Arnold's name inscribed under it. Bas- 
reliefs are to line the walls of the five stories of the Monument, presenting in 
enduring bronze historical and allegorical scenes germane to to the campaign. 
Eight of these on the first story are to be placed in a series of four each. The 
first four represent scenes on the British side — a ' Consultation of George III, 
and his Generals,' the ' March of the British Army,' the ' Battles ' and the ' Sur- 
render of General Burgoyne to General Gates.' The second series represent 
scenes on the American side — the 'Women of the Revolution,' the 'March of 
the Continental Army,' the ' Transfer of Command from Schuyler to Gates,' 
the ' Wounding of Arnold.' " 

It was arranged at this meeting that the President, Mr. Starin, and Mr. 
Algernon Sullivan should go to Washington, and Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Stone 



HISTORY OF THE 8ARA.T0GA. MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 83 

were requested to draw the bill to be presented to Congress. Accordingly 
on February 13th, 1884, these gentlemen and Mr. Potter appeared before the 
joint Congressional Library Committee of both houses. As a result of the 
efforts of that committee in Washington, the following papers are presented : 

In the Senate of the United States. 

(March 4, 1884. — Ordered to be printed.) 

Mr. Sherman, from the Committee on the Library, submitted the follow- 
ing Report (to accompany bill S. 1309) : 

The Committee on the Library, having had under consideration the bill 
(S. 1309) appropriating $40,000 to provide statuary and historical tablets 
for the Saratoga Monument, respectfully report : 

It appears that the State of New York incorporated, under perpetual 
charter, " The Saratoga Monument Association," with a purpose to suitably 
commemorate the surrender of the British Army by General Burgoyne, A. D. 
1777. 

That Association has acquired title to four acres of land within the lines 
of Burgoyne's intrenched camp, overlooking the field of the surrender, and 
has also erected thereon a beautiful monumental shaft, 155 feet high. The 
structure is completed, and is ready now for statues of the generals who 
commanded the Continental Army, and for the historic tablets in bronze, 
which, according to the designs of the Monument Association, shall record 
in words and allegorical pictures, the events and circumstances of the Revo- 
lutionary struggle, at the period of the battles on and near the plains of 
Saratoga. 

The battle of Saratoga was beyond doubt the most momentous battle of 
the Revolutionary war, and most decisive in results. It peculiarly combined 
the soldiers from colonies North and South, and united them more than ever. 
Its victory led instantly to the alliance of France. In every respect the event 
appeals to Congress for special recognition of its historic import. To meet 
the expense of their work the Association have received $25,000 from the 
State of New York, $30,000 from the United States, and about $10,000 from 
individual contributors, making $65,000. This appears to have been expended 
judiciously and economically. 

Your committee approve the designs for adding to the Monument suitable 
descriptive features, in statues and bronze tablets, the sketches and drawings 
for which have been exhibited to this committee. 

To enable the Association to carry out these designs, they require a sum 
equal at least to that already expended. They intend to apply to the State 



84 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

of New York and to its citizens for all except $40,000, which they ask that 
Congress shall appropriate. 

In view of the dignity of the event to be noted, the appropriateness of 
the plans adopted, the favorable progress of the design to the present time, 
the high character of the Monument Association, your committee recommend 
the passage of the bill. 

As a fuller statement of the considerations which prompted the com- 
mittee to report this bill, we beg leave to append as an exhibit the proceedings 
of and statements made before this committee at its meeting on the 15th of 
February ultimo: 

Washington, February 15, 1884. 

At a meeting of the Committee on the Library, having under considera- 
tion the bill authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to pay to the President 
of the Saratoga Monument Association the sum of $40,000 to complete the 
statuary and historic tablets of the Saratoga Monument, a committee was 
present on behalf of said Association, viz., Hon. John H. Starin, Hon. William 
J. Bacon, Mr. D. S. Potter, and Mr. Algernon S. Sullivan. Mr. George William 
Curtis, a member of the committee, could not be present, but sent a letter to 
be read, favoring the proposed bill. 

At the request of Mr. Starin, Mr. Wemple made the following statement: 
• We exhibit to the Library Committee a photograph of the Saratoga 
Battle Monument as it stands completed in granite to-day. It is 155 feet high, 
and stands within the lines of the battle-field, on a bluff 300 feet above and over- 
looking the Hudson, thus giving it an actual height above the river level of 
455 feet. * * * All that remains to be added are the bronze statues in 
the outside niches, and the sculptured decoration inside. This sculpture will 
represent in alto relievo historical and allegorical scenes connected with the 
earlier period of the Revolution. * * * 

The cost of the grounds, grading, etc., amounting to about $10,000, has 
been paid by private subscription of the Trustees of the Association and by 
citizens of Schuylerville. The design for the Monument, originally sug- 
gested by Hamilton Fish and Horatio Seymour, was to combine the 
character of the Egyptian obelisk with the gothic style of architecture. 
Accordingly, in 1873, a committee of design commissioned Mr. J. C. Mark- 
ham, their architect, to furnish a design for a monument which should 
be much more imposing than that which has been constructed. The 
design originally furnished was for a monument, the estimated cost of 
which was $500,000. Discovering the difficulty of raising such a sum, 
the Association was compelled to modify their plans in accordance with 
the Monument as it now exists. But to compensate for the reduction in 




J. C. MARKHAM, 

ARCHITECT OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT. 



HI8T0KT OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 85 

size two elements were substituted : The first was that of a lofty and inde- 
pendent shaft or tower overlooking the classic plains of Saratoga and the 
battle-fields of Bemis Heights, and being expressive of victory only. The 
second and more important element of this design was the statuary to be 
placed in the niches and the tower, and historic sculpture which was to line 
the interior of its walls to the height of 65 feet, with bronze staircases and 
floors of a costly tile of original historic design. This gives scope for the 
partial realization of the design of 1873, and it is this element of the Monu- 
ment which Horatio Seymour refers to when, in one of his most telling speeches 
delivered at the laying of the corner-stone, standing, in fact, at the time on 
its corner-stone, he says : " National monuments not only mark but make 
the civilization of the people." It is for this historic sculpture that your 
committee urged the passage of the bill which has been introduced in Con- 
gress at their request. 

In 1880 the State of New York had appropriated $25,000 for the Monu- 
ment, and the President of the Saratoga Monument Association, Hon. John 
H. Starin, appeared before Congress, asking for $30,000 to complete the 
structure, and he represented that that sum would accomplish the work. 

His word has been made good. Indeed, so strongly did he feel upon 
this point, and so determined that it should be made good, that before he 
would, as President of the Association, sign the requisite vouchers to obtain 
the warrant from the Treasurer of the United States, he said that if that sum 
were not sufficient to carry the tower to completion, rather than go to Con- 
gress for more money, he would, in order to place the capstone upon the 
Monument, give $5,000 in person. The $30,000 from Congress, added to the 
$25,000 from the State of New York, and the sum of about $10,000 for ground 
and other expenses, has been sufficient to pay for the Monument, as you now 
see it, and, in fact, it is 16 feet higher than the original design. 

THE ASSOCIATION, 

In 1859 Hamilton Fish, Horatio Seymour, William L Stone, Benson J, 
Lossing and John A. Corey organized the Saratoga Monument Association 
under a perpetual charter from the State of New York. The object was to 
engage a fitting memorial on the site of Burgoyne's surrender. That Associa- 
tion has pursued its object amid many difficulties. They laid the corner- 
stone of the structure on the centennial of the surrender, and the capstone was 
placed in position on November 3, 1882. The site is almost identical with 
that where Gen. Burgoyne surrendered the flower of the British army to the 
American General Gates. 

Among the active trustees and members of the Association are : Horatio 



86 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

Seymour, Warner Miller, E. G. Lapham, S. S. Cox, J. Watts De Peyster, Chas. 
K. Graham, James M. Marvin, Edward Wemple, Douglas Campbell, William 
L Stone, Benson J. Lossing, George William Curtis, William J. Bacon, Giles 
B. Slocum, D. S. Potter, and many other distinguished citizens of New York ; 
S. D. Kirk, W. W. Sale, Charles H. Simonton and Samuel Dibble, of South 
Carolina ; and Isaac N. Arnold, of Illinois, whose character assures the coun- 
try that any sum appropriated by the bill under consideration will be faith- 
fully applied to the object for which it is asked. 

THIS APPLICATION, 

It is due to the dignity of the Association that we should call attention to 
that which we regard as the exceptional nature of this application and justify- 
ing it. In such a case as that interesting centennial celebration which recently 
took place in New York City, that is, the commemoration of the final depart- 
ure of British troops from America, and the erection of a statue of Washing- 
ton on the very spot where he took the first oath of office as President, the 
citizens of New York cheerfully subscribed the money needed to carry out the 
object without any application to Congress. In a great degree the event was 
of local importance. So, again, in marking another historical event, namely, 
setting up a tablet at the point on the Battery where Washington took barge, 
after his farewell to his officers, on his journey to Annapolis to surrender his 
commission and to retire to private life at Mount Vernon, the citizens of New 
York did not besiege Congress for contribution towards the expense thus 
incurred, and so they act in scores of like cases. But the events at Saratoga 
were so wide-reaching and of such general historical interest that we have 
felt, of themselves, they would commend this application to Congress. More 
than a century has elapsed since that illustrious event. All the actors therein are 
gone ; we are sharing the rewards of their devotion and suffering, and we may 
well listen to the claims for commemoration of the first decisive triumph 
which vindicated the Declaration of Independence and secured the integrity 
of the Confederation, and in which the men of New England, of the Middle 
States and of the South stood side by side. 

I had hoped that my associate on the committee, Mr. George William 
Curtis, would be present to represent our cause. In his absence I take pleas- 
ure in reading his letter on the subject : 

West New Brighton, Staten Island, N. Y., 
February 13, 1884. 

My Dear Sir — It is most unfortunate that I am so entangled with a series 
of unavoidable engagements that I cannot possibly find the time to accom- 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 8/ 

pany you to Washington, as I had intended and should most gladly do, to 
assist you in advocating the grant for the completion of the Monument at 
Saratoga. 

Yet I am sure that Congress ought not to need much urging to add the 
final grace and decoration to a memorial of the great military event in which 
the Revolution culminated, the surrender of Burgoyne. The event w^hich, in 
our familiar phrase, " broke the back " of the British power on this continent, 
secured open recognition and aid from France, and so prepared the final vic- 
tory at Yorktown, is an exceptional event of supreme interest and importance 
to the whole country, and its worthy commemoration upon the spot where it 
occurred is properly a national care. 

This has been recognized by Congress, and all that we now ask is that a 
work which has been brought almost to completion in the most honest and 
satisfactory way, shall be finished appropriately by statues of the two or three 
chief American leaders upon the field, and by memorial tablets which, in 
imperishable lines, shall tell the story of the heroic day. I think that the com- 
mittee may be assured from the character of the gentlemen to whom the 
disposition of the grant will be entrusted, and from the manner in which the 
work has been hitherto performed, that the grant would be devoted most 
carefully and intelligently to the proper purpose, and I should regret my 
inability to accompany you still more if I could suppose that my absence 
could be attributed to any lack of personal interest in the work. As Patrick 
Henry said, when he made the cause of the Revolution his own. " I am not a 
Virginian, I am an American," so I hope that the committee will feel that the 
completion of a great Revolutionary memorial is not the cause of a State but 
of the country. 

Very truly yours, 

George William Curtis. 

The first part of the design, as I have stated, namely, the erection and 
completion of the Monument itself, is now an accomplished fact. It is pro- 
nounced by President Andrew D. White, ex-Governor A. B. Cornell, Rev. Dr. 
Irenius Prime, and other competent judges, the finest independent tower in 
America. 

It now stands as an accomplished work, a fitting receptacle for the sculp- 
tured history of the nation's early life; and while marking a spot sacred to the 
American people, its tablets and statues will legibly record the significant 
events of the American struggle for independence. 

The appropriations made by Congress already amount to $30,000 for this 
work. The Legislature of New York appropriated $25,000. That amount 
and $10,000 additional have been expended. The Association needs furthf r 



88 HISTOBF OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

appropriations to complete the statuary, the interior finish, the brass and 
bronze work, the plate-glass and tile. The statuary consists of the statues of 
General Schuyler, General Gates and General Morgan, each at least 7 feet in 
height, for the exterior niches. There will be sixteen pieces of history sculp- 
tured in the interior of the first two stories, three pieces in tlic third story, 
sixteen pieces in the fourth and fifth stories, bronze or brass stairs in the first 
story, and iron above, terra-cotta symbolic friezes, and bronze or brass car- 
riages for the guns to be placed on the pediments, some of which will be those 
captured on the battle-field. 

The entire expense of this suitable completion of the work which has 
been intrusted to us will be from $60,000 to $75,000. We have every reason 
to justify us in stating to your committee that the sum needed additional to 
that which we ask Congress to now appropriate will be promptly furnished 
by the Legislature and citizens of the State of New York. 

We therefore respectfully submit that our application is one which should 
receive a favorable report from your committee and favorable action by 
Congress. 



Remarks of Mr. Cox. 

Mr. Speaker — Perhaps no nation known to history had so remarkable a 
love of monumental glory as Greece. Athens was the eye of Greece, and 
Greece through Athens gave refinement to what Egypt gave to her. She gave 
symmetry, proportion and glory to her temples and monuments in celebration 
of her heroes. It was a part of her religion. Her mythology exalted her 
heroes into demi-gods, and her gods were made monumental and immortal in 
every niche of her parthenons. It was a sign and a proof of the refinement of 
her civilization. It was an illustration of the remark of our revered ex-Gov- 
ernor Seymour, quite apposite to the present occasion, that national monu- 
ments not only mark but make civilization. 

When Pericles proclaimed in his oration over the dead of Marathon that 
the " mighty monuments of Hellenic power were witnesses for Greece to make 
her the wonder of succeeding ages," he but anticipated, if he did not gen- 
eralize upon, the primal virtues of such monumental testimony to heroism. 

But, sir, time lapses and monuments decay. Perhaps there is nothing 
left but the living word of history. By the elemental, and I may say, chemical 
dissolutions of nature, new forms and new orders are made in the economies 
of our star. Chaos becomes cosmos, and cosmos becomes chaos. 

The Monument which marks a great era in this new hemisphere most 
conspicuous, permanent and patriotic in our history, is that which now 
attracts the attention of the American Congress. 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 89 

One hundred and seven years ago, upon a peculiar and lofly ground of 
vantage, overlooking the Hudson, now the historic spot of America, was 
fought the decisive battle of our Revolution. Our independence turned upon 
this battle as the pivot. 

Men like Horatio Seymour, Hamilton Fish, George William Curtis, 
William L. Stone, Benson J. Lossing, and John A. Corey organized the Sara- 
toga Monument Association, under a New York charter, to make as memorable 
as stone and bronze can make them, the deeds of that battle-field. 

Their Monument has arisen ! Their structure is completed ! Over one 
hundred and fifty feet, a classic shaft arises, upon a bluff twice that altitude, 
and overlooking the rare scenery of our majestic Hudson. But it is not 
because of the scenery — hill and dale, sparkling water, beauteous woods, 
ethereal vault of blue, and misty mountains of enchantment — that this locality 
allures and holds the vagrant vision. 

This Monument is the cynosure of patriotism. 

New York has given its $25,000 ; the United States has added its thirty 
thousand ; the good people interested in this locality have added their 
ten thousand ; and this organization, of which I have the honor to be a 
Trustee, now asks of you enough for the completion of its sculptural and 
other adornments. It asks for this object forty thousand. This sum and 
object the Senate has approved. Is this House less generous and patriotic ? 

We come with our designs consummated. We come with niches pre- 
pared for the statues of the great generals of that day and of that conflict. 
We come with tablets in bronze, almost ready for their places. We come to 
ask you to engrave, by word and allegory, legends of beauty and inspiration 
that will perpetuate the fame of the Schuylers, the Gateses, the Morgans, and 
I was about to say the Benedict Arnolds, who fought in that grand and 
decisive struggle. 

There was an almost bitter rivalry between the generals of that Army. 
Bancroft detracts from the encomium due our officers. He praises the battle 
as that of " the husbandmen." He is not backward in giving to the negro a 
good share of the credit; but no history is just which fails to lift above 
mere local fame the names of such of the New England and Continental 
heroes as Cilley, Scammel, Livingston, Cook, Colburn and Dearborn. They 
form a part of that galaxy in whose honor the Saratoga shaft points starward. 

How much, Mr, Speaker, depended upon the embattled courage and 
skill of that perilous hour ! How wide and far-reaching are the results ! 
How much of general interest hangs upon the events of that 17th of 
October, 1777, when Burgoyne surrendered upon these Saratoga plains 
and hills ! The capital chapter, sir, of that revolution, illumined with 
the prudence and valor of Washington, Greene, Knox, Wayne, La Fay- 



90 HISTORY OP THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

ette, Kosciusko, Steuben, Pulaski — men of every climate and race — here 
received a fitting and glorious finale. That army which left the shores of 
England with so much prestige and pride, proclaiming with supercilious 
vaunting its unjust and tyrannic insolence of control, heralding its audacious 
approach and its successful manoeuvers and movements by the whoops of the 
" hell-hounds of savage warfare," marking its march, flanked by Tory and 
Indian allies, in the consternation and desperation of the people of the colony 
and city of New York, was here discomfited, first upon the 7th of October, 
and ten days afterward by its humiliating capitulation ! 

The centuries come and go, but such deeds live forever. They live 
because they are mementos of noble thought. Such thoughts are only not 
divine. The seminal and grand idea of Saratoga is independence. These 
men fought not for liberty. They never lost their liberties. They fought 
because their liberties, their English and colonial privileges, their God-given 
rights and their natural and just demands against a foreign foe and a despic- 
able tyrant were disregarded and outraged. 

Saratoga was the wand that " smote the rock of the national resources." 
It was the magic that revived the " dead corpse of public credit." 

When the smoke of this struggle floated away from the Bemus Heights 
and hills around Schuylerville, the cloud of financial distress and of military 
gloom which shrouded the united colonies and their Congress and armies, 
parted. Through its rift appeared that blessed goddess which always appears, 
at least, in Homeric imagination, to give grace and glory to the struggles of 
heroic men. 

This battle had more than usual significance. It led to the French alli- 
ance. It made possible, a hundred years afterward, through French art and 
genius, that lofty effigy for New York Harbor, of Liberty lifting up her torch, 
beckoning and illuminating all mankind by its radiancy. 

The State of New York, which asks for this contribution from the Fed- 
eral Treasury, has not been laggard in its own efforts to perpetuate Revolu- 
tionary memories. The final departure of the British troops from America, 
and the erection of a statue of Washington upon the spot where he took the 
oath of office as President, as well as another event already made memorable 
by a tablet at the Battery, where Washington bade farewell to his officers to 
surrender his commission and retire to his home, have been celebrated by 
the munificence and thoughtfulness of New York citizens. 

But the event at Saratoga dominates all. It is full-orbed in splendor ! 
It marks something that belongs not merely to the century gone by, or to 
England and America, but to all ages and to mankind. The surrender at 
Saratoga was not merely the surrender of Burgoyne and his army ; it was 
the surrender of a distant and haughty prince and an obsequious and corrupt 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA ilONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 9 1 

parliament to thirteen weak and remote colonies. It was the most conspicu- 
ous step in that grand march of events, so extraordinary and unexpected, 
that the English historian of our Revolution, Stedman, says that they " bade 
defiance to all human foresight," and which found their consummation at 
Yorktown. It was the flower of that fruit which gave us our matchless Con- 
stitution. It was a surrender, in advance, of this hemisphere to Democratic- 
Republican autonomy, in which public and personal, local and national 
liberties are guarded with vestal vigilance under written charters, and where 
in the course of one century after the auspicious event, nearly sixty millions 
of enfranchised people are encircled by a zone of felicities unexampled in 
the annals of mankind, and who, rising up, call the men of that day that tried 
sinew and soul, blessed beyond most martial and civic heroes who have 
glorified our planet ! 

Mr. Stone continued: At a meeting of the Committee February lo, 1885, 
it was Resolved^ That Mr. Markham, the architect, shall obtain competitive 
estimates for the tablets and such granite frames or settings as are indis- 
pensable, for two stories; and plans and estimates for a wrought iron staircase 
all the way up. He shall also address the artist members of the Century and 
Union League Clubs, without promise of reward or emolument, asking them 
for plans and designs of the three statues of Schuyler, Gates and Morgan, 
and submit results. 

Also the following from General de Peyster : Resolved, That in consider- 
ation of Congress and of the State towards the Monument Association, all 
moneys obtained from either of these sources shall be devoted exclusively to 
the finishing of the Monument proper and the statuary, as a structure both 
within and without ; and that no moneys whatever shall be diverted from that 
purpose until the Architect shall declare the Monument completed according 
to the design. 

Soon after this meeting the Secretary went to Albany to speak before 
the Committee on Ways and Means, but the hearing was deferred. He, how- 
ever, went to Utica and held a conference with Gov. Seymour, and also with 
the Executive Committee of the Oriskany Monument, John F. Seymour, 
Judge Bacon and S. N. D. North. 

On the 24th of March, Mr. Starin and Mr. Curtis visited Albany for the 
purpose of addressing the Committee on Ways and Means in the Legislature 
on behalf of the Association ; but, owing to an unfortunate misunderstanding, 
the Committee were not called together. 

At a later meeting of the Committee on Design, Mr. Markham, the 
Architect, was called upon to open the bids for the statues, and after discus- 
sion it was voted that W. R. O'Donovan, Moffat and Doyle, and George G. 
Bissell be selected as such artists. 



92 HISTOKY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

On motion of Mr. Sackett it was Resolved, That a stated sum should be 
paid for each statue, tliat each one should be not more than seven feet high, 
and that they should all be substantially military in style. 

The authority given to the Committee on Design by the Trustees enabled 
them to appoint a sub-committee on Finance. These were Messrs. Starin, 
Curtis, Sullivan, Sackett and Wemple. This " Financial Committee " had 
full power to make all contracts and expenditures in finishing the Monument 
under the Congressional appropriation, and they were also empowered to 
employ artists and workingmen to carry out the plans of Mr. Markham. 

It was Resolved, " That Messrs O'Donovan, Doyle and Bissell be re- 
quested to submit designs for the statues of Schuyler, Gates and Morgan, 
and the Finance Committee be instructed to select one, two, or all three of 
such statues from any one artist, as may seem most desirable and appro- 
priate." 

At the next meeting of the Committee, Mr. Curtis moved that the resolu- 
tion in the minutes be struck out which stated that "O'Donovan, Doyle and 
Bissell had been selected," and as a substitute to put in the following which 
he said expressed the intention of the motion : 

"That in the modification of the previous resolution, Messrs. O'Donovan, 
Doyle and Bissell be requested to submit designs or models for the proposed 
statues, and that the Financial Committee be instructed to select one, two, or 
three of such statues from any one artist as the Committee deem best, pro- 
vided that the Committee shall not be bound to accept, or make a contract 
for any such statue, unless the design or model be satisfactory to them ; and 
that provision be made in anj'^ contract to secure thorough and artistic work." 

Much discussion followed the reading of this resolution. 

Mr. Curtis urged the necessity of employing those artists only, of the 
same recognized rank. "For," said he, "if it becomes generally known that 
this Committee employ unknown men, and the results should be unsatisfactory, 
it will be held up to the ridicule of posterity." The amended resolution was 
then passed. Mr. Bissell was in Europe, but Mr. O'Donovan and Mr. Doyle 
were separately and successively called in before the Committee and the last 
resolution was read to them, and they each agreed to its terms. Mr. Bissell 
also acquiesced in this decision. 

Mr. Stone, in his report of this Committee, continues : 

The sub-committee met November 19th, at the office of President J. H. 
Starin, where models of the three statues were exhibited and their merits dis- 
cussed, but without a decision being reached. A week later another meeting 
was held, and there were present J. H. Starin, Geo. Wm. Curtis, J. W. de Pey- 
ster, Wm. L. Stone and J. C. Markham, the Architect. After a thorough 
examination of the different models for three statues and an animated dis- 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 93 

cussion in regard to them, Resolved^ " That this committee conditionally 
approve of the statues of Schuyler, Gates and Morgan, and if these gentlemen 
acquiesce in the suggestions of the Committee, and the changes thus made are 
satisfactory to the Chairman, Mr. Starin, then he is empowered to contract 
with the said gentlemen for the execution of the statues, subject to the 
approval of the Committee." 

The artists agreed to make the desired changes, and the contracts with 
them were closed. 

The report of the Committee on Design was approved. 

Mrs. E. H. Walworth, Chairman of the Committee on the Custody of the 
Monument, submitted the following report : 

" That in compliance with the principal duty assigned to the Committee, 
immediately after the last meeting, they appointed as custodian of the Monu- 
ment Mr. V. W. Ostrander, who has been recommended by the Secretary and 
other Trustees ; he still fills the place. He lives just across the road from the 
Monument where some member of his family can see every person who 
approaches it ; he owns property there, and feels an interest and pride in 
the Monument. Your committee have not found it feasible to carry out a 
resolution passed by this Association which fixed the price of admission, but 
have found it necessary to reduce the amount. A large proportion of the 
visitors yet are farmers and others from the vicinity. The fact that there is a 
Monument of such size and importance seems to be very little known by 
the visitors at Saratoga Springs. Mr. Ostrander was instructed to keep an 
account of all receipts and expenditures, and a copy of his account accom- 
panies this report. The Committee have placed a register in the Monument 
for each visitor to inscribe his name and address. 

" The grounds around the Monument should be graded and planted with 
grass ; plain benches should be placed in the top story ; and a large register, 
bound especially for the purpose, should be provided, with a suitable stand 
to hold it. 

" Thus far, the Committee have not felt justified in spending any money 
from the receipts except for the repair of windows and for lamps and oil, and 
the very small amount allowed Mr. Ostrander." 

Many letters were read from Trustees expressing regret for their inability 
to be present, and manifesting an earnest interest in the additional work on 
the Monument which was now fully initiated. 

The events of the next three years may be traced through brief extracts 
from the reports of committees, and resolutions passed by the Association. 

In 1885 ^^^ Chairman of the Committee on Designs reported that "the 
Financial Committee, or more properl)^ its Chairman, Mr. Starin, ably seconded 
by the Architect, has been most unwearied, nay, most indefatigable in his 



94 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

exertions to complete the contracts, so as to be able to report definite prog- 
ress at this meeting. Indeed, the time thus spent and the labor undergone in 
accomplishing this result cannot be realized by any one who is not personally 
cognizant of the details to be looked into and carefully weighed before a 
decision can be reached. Thus, Mr. Starin, neglecting nothing that could aid 
in making the funds on hand go as far as possible, now presents, through the 
Architect, the following report: 

" Contracts have been awarded to Booth BroS. for setting of historic 
tablets on interior walls, and lettering the same, and for door casings of two 
stories ; to Alfred Boat, for the floors in five stories ; to Wemple & Sons, for 
iron stairway; to Maurice J. Power, for back to niches; to W. R. O'Donovan, 
statue of Morgan ; to Moffat and Doyle, statue of Schuyler ; to Geo. E. 
Bissell, statue of Gates ; to J. E. Kelly, eight historic tablets ; to J. S. 
Hartley, eight historic tablets." 

The Secretary continues: "I would remind the Trustees that this Monu- 
ment upon which we have been so long engaged is one of the most important 
works of historic art ever produced in this Republic, for not only does it por- 
tray in enduring granite and bronze the true character of the events it seeks 
to commemorate, but it most happily illustrates the philosophy of history. 

" The design and development in all the details of this extraordinary 
work is the result of the inspiration, devotion and perseverance of our Archi- 
tect, Mr. J. C. Markham, who, more than thirteen years ago, was induced by 
me, with no available funds at my command, to undertake it, and who, at a 
great outlay of time and labor, has not only produced this great art work, 
but has also rendered efficient aid in procuring the means with which to carry 
out the same, and at a cost so small, as to actually detract from the popular 
appreciation of its value, thus illustrating the old Horatian maxim, Omne 
ignotum pro magnifico ! 

"This being the case I am sure that nothing more than this reminder will 
be required to cause you to see that he has the financial aid necessary to 
carry out his part of the work. 

"The tablets designed by him, sixteen in number, depict the following 
scenes : 

1. Women of the Revolution. 

2. Ladies of the British Court. 

3. The Town Meeting. 

4. The Rally. 

5. George III. in Council. 

6. Burgoyne addressing the Indians. 

7. The Wives of British officers, in their caloches, traveling through 
the wilderness. 



HISTORY OF THB SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 95 

8, Schuyler felling trees to obstruct the evening's march. 

9. Mrs. General Schuyler firing her wheat fields. 

10. The murder of Jane McCrea. 

11. Burgoyne reprimanding his Indian allies for their barbarities. 

12. Schuyler transferring his command to Gates. 

13. The passage in a boat of Lady Acland to the American camp. 

14. The wounding of Arnold at Breyman's redoubt. 

15. The burial of General Frazer. 

16. Burgoyne surrendering his sword to Gates." 

Mr. Potter, Chairman of the Executive Committee, reported that the 
additional contract for the four and a half feet which had been added to the 
height of the Monument, in the process of building, had been approved, and 
it was recommended that the contractors receive payment therefor. Mrs. 
Walworth, Chairman of the Committee in charge of the Monument, submitted 
a financial statement of receipts and expenditures, and continued : "Your Com- 
mittee have visited the monument from time to time, and find it well cared 
for. We would call the attention of the Association to the condition of the 
grounds around the Monument. We recommend that funds be raised to 
grade these grounds and put them in good order, and that a group of trees 
be planted in them." 

The report was adopted, and afterward Mr. Starin said that he would like 
to do something toward beautifying the grounds about the Monument, and 
with the approval of the Association he would have a landscape gardener look 
the ground over, and he would give three hundred dollars toward the expense 
of grading and fitting up the Monument grounds. 

A Committee, Messrs. Hardy, Wemple, Stone and Ritchie, were appointed 
to draft resolutions of regret on the death of ex-Governor Seymour. They 
reported as follows : 

Resolved, That in the death of ex-Governor Horatio Seymour, for many 
years the honorable President of the Saratoga Monument Association (which 
has occurred since our last Annual Meeting), this Association feels that it has 
suffered a profound and irreparable loss, inasmuch as the successful prosecu- 
tion of the great task devolving upon it, has from the first been so faithfully 
and ably promoted by him both by his purse and his pen. 

Resolved, That as the erection of the Saratoga Monument was made possi- 
ble by the writings of Governor Seymour, by which public opinion was 
educated to a proper appreciation of its necessity as a great educating power, 
so the final completion of this noble and beautiful work of art will forever 
illustrate that pregnant sentiment enumerated by him at the laying of the 
corner stone, viz. : " That monuments not only mark but make the civilization 
of a people." 



96 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

Resolved^ That these resolutions be engrossed and sent to the family of 
the deceased. 

In April of 1886 Senator Warner Miller introduced a petition in the 
United States Senate, from the Saratoga Monument Association, in regard to 
the appropriation of funds for a suitable dedication, and soon afterward the 
following letter was received from the Senator : 

Mr. W. L. Stone. 

Dear Sir — * * * i have not thought it wise to urge an appropriation 
for the celebration this year, as they are urging one in connection with the 
Bartholdi Statue, and it would not be best to secure it for Saratoga. Next 
winter, I shall take it up early in the session, and shall expect you and some 
of the Trustees to come to Washington in order to make a strong showing. 

Please express my regret to the Members at Saratoga, and express my 
hearty co-operation in getting an appropriation next winter. 

Yours truly, Warner Miller. 

During the session of the New York Legislature of this winter, 1885-86, 
a bill appropriating $10,000 for the Monument was passed, through the inde- 
fatigable exertions of Edward Wemple, Geo. S. Batcheller and Jas. W. 
Husted, but it was vetoed by Governor Hill. 

At the annual meeting of 1886, Mrs. Walworth, of the Tablet Committee, 
reported that two other tablets had been presented, and called attention to 
lour points of especial importance that were still unmarked, these were : 

1. Breyman's Hill. 

2. General Gates' Headquarters. 

3. Great redoubt where Frazer was buried. 

4. Course of Morgan's attack on the right flank of the British. 

She said the tablets on the battle-ground at Bemus' Heights are appre- 
ciated by the people in the vicinity of the battle-ground, who feel an interest 
in their preservation; that these tablets have given interest and emphasis to 
the memories connected with this field, is indicated by the enthusiasm of 
visitors who have been on the field since they were erected. 

Your Committee feel especially encouraged to continue their work, since 
the plan adopted by them has met with such favor that many historical 
places in other parts of the country are now indicated by similar tablets. 

Mrs. Walworth, in her report as Chairman of the Committee in charge of 
Monument, called attention to the heavy glass and the oak doors I'ecently 
removed from the Monument ; which she said should be sold as there was no 
suitable place to store them, and also presented the financial report of receipts 
and expenditures at the Monument for the year. 




ELLEN HARDIN WALWORTH, 

CHAIRMAN QF THE COMMITTEE ON TABLETS, 

SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. g/ 

At the annual meeting of 1887 the Architect submitted the following 
report : 

"At the annual meeting of 1883, 1 had the honor to submit to this Associ- 
ation a statement of the works then remaining to be done to complete the 
Saratoga Monument, together with an estimate of the funds required for its 
execution, amounting to the sum of $100,000, which report was adopted and 
referred by the Association to the Committee on design with authority to 
raise the money and to carry out the work. 

"In the execution of this trust the Committee in making application to 
Congress exhibited to the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of 
Representatives the designs and drawings furnished by the architect for the 
works, and said that $75,000 additional would be required for its execution, 
and modestly asked Congress to appropriate $40,000, it being hoped that 
the State of New York and private donations would make up the rest. 

"The bill appropriating the amount asked for was immediately reported 
favorably, and afterwards was called up out of its regular order and passed 
unanimously; and just here I desire to record the fact, that all applications 
hitherto made in behalf of the Saratoga Monument, whether to the National 
Congress or to the State Legislature, have been responded to with patriotic 
enthusiasm, every honest and intelligent citizen concurring in the idea so 
happily expressed by the late President of your Association, Hon. Horatio 
Seymour, that the national monuments ' not only mark but make the civili- 
zation of a people.' Yet the first appropriation of $50,000, secured mainly 
through the intelligent and purely patriotic efforts of the Hon. Geo. S. 
Batcheller, was so loaded with conditions by his political rivals as to defeat 
its use. So also when this committee of yours met at Albany, for the purpose 
of making the application for the amount referred to in the foregoing report, 
they were prevented by some unknown influence from obtaining even a 
hearing by a legislative committee, thereby defeating the generally expressed 
will of the legislature and necessitating a suspension of the work. 

" Nevertheless, upon the passage of the congressional appropriation bill 
the committee decided to go on and if possible finish the first two stories of 
the Monument with the $40,000. And in conformity with this decision certain 
modifications were made in some of the minor details of the work and the con- 
tracts were entered into. The three bronze statues of Generals Schuyler, Gates 
and Morgan are in place and compare favorably with other works, the Gates, 
of Bissell, being pronounced by competent judges one of the best of American 
statues. 

"The sixteen historic sculptures of the two first stories are all in place and 
are said to be not second to any in historic truth and interest, and as low 
reliefs they mark a decided advance in this department of art. For the stairs 



98 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

the committee decided to adopt iron instead of bronze, thereby saving some 
$12,000 and still giving stairs unexcelled for strength, lightness and beauty at 
a cost of $2,700. The granite and terra cotta were much simplified in design 
and are in the two stories in a satisfactory manner at a cost of $2,699 ^or 
granite and $430 for terra cotta. The bronze doors and windows of the design 
were changed to brass and those of the two first stories were contracted with 
a firm entitled ' The American Art Metal Works,' but their work being unsat- 
isfactory to the committee and not fulfilling the contract, $750 is withheld 
from them and a contract has been made with Mr. C. S. Closson to complete 
that work for the sum of $250 and $50 for fitting second story windows, 
included in their work. 

"From the foregoing statements it appears that the three statues and the 
historic sculpture and finishing of the two first stories of the Monument 
originally estimated to cost about $55,000, have been done for less than $30,- 
000; and that if the State had made the appropriation of $25,000, as expected, 
the Saratoga Monument would have been to-day completed, and at a cost of 
at least $20,000 less than the original estimate, a fact which will doubtless 
inspire such a continuation of public confidence in the Monument as to insure 
all requisite aid in the final completion of this important national work, of 
which there still remains to be done the bronze top or roof, the granite base 
and bronze or brass window frames and tile floors and the twenty tablets of 
historic sculpture of the three upper stories, the ceilings of all five stories and 
the four guns with their bronze carriages for the platform. 

" All these things are still remaining unprovided for, yet are not absolutely 
essential to a grand public dedication of the work. On the contrary, such a 
dedication if properly conducted would undoubtedly facilitate its grand con- 
summation ; all of which, with my most profound expression of gratitude to 
the Saratoga Monument Association for its cordial co-operation throughout 
the progress of the work, is most respectfully submitted. 

"J- C. Markham, Architecty 

Mrs. E. H. Walworth, from the Committee on Tablets, submitted the 
the following report : 

We would respectfully state that the suggestion made in our report of 
last year, that at least four new tablets should be erected on the battle-field 
at Bemis Heights, has been carried out. Four tablets have been subscribed 
for, are now completed, and will all be placed on the field before the anniver- 
sary of the battle in September and October. One of them was presented by 
General J. Watts de Peyster ; it is a beautiful shaft of white marble elabor- 
ately and appropriately decorated by the skillful artist who designed the fine 
Statue of Gen. Gates which commands the portal of the great monument at 



HISTORT OF THE SARATOGA MONHMlENT ASSOCIATION. 99 

Schuylerville. It marks Breyman's Hill* (erroneously called Burgoyne's Hill) 
and the spot where Arnold was wounded, and where he broke through 
the last barrier to success in the great battle of October, 1776. Another tablet 
has been presented by Mrs. Taylor, a granddaughter of General Daniel Mor- 
gan ; it will be placed at the foot of Morgan's Hill, on the road between 
Freeman's farm and Neilson's house. A third tablet is presented by Mrs. 
Estelle Willoughby ; it will be placed where the battles swayed back and 
forth on the edge of the great ravine ; it is the spot where the royal artillery 
was broken and defeated and where Major Ackland was desperately 
wounded. The fourth tablet is the gift of General Martin D. Hardin, 
U. S. A., to commemorate the distinguished services of his great-grandfather. 
Colonel John Hardin, in the battles of Saratoga ; it will probably be placed 
on the river road, as indicating the path of the reconnaissance led by Colonel 
Hardin before the battles took place. It seems appropriate to explain why 
points so important as the headquarters of Gen. Gates, and the commanding 
spot where Gen. Frazer was buried, should remain unmarked. In regard to 
this last place, one of our trustees, who is both generous and active in historic 
work, Mr. J. W. Drexel, promises us a subscription for this interesting spot 
from a gentleman in Scotland. It is peculiarly appropriate that the memory 
of the distinguished Scotchman, Gen. Frazer, should be perpetuated by one 
of his countrymen. The headquarters of Gen. Gates is so prominent in inter- 
est and locality that we could easily have placed upon it a tablet like a 
majority of those already located, but it has seemed appropriate to have 
erected on this spot a more imposing stone, similar to the one given by Mr, 
James M. Marvin or to the one erected by Gen. J. Watts de Peyster. 

In closing our report we would very earnestly thank the members of the 
Association for the encouragement and inspiration we have received from 
their sympathy and their generosity in the prosecution of our work. 

Ellen Hardin Walworth, Chairman. 

P. C. Ford, as Chairman of the Committee on the Dedication of the 
Monument, reported that owing to the unfinished condition of the Monument 
they had been unable to make arrangements for the dedication this year, as 
had been contemplated. Whereupon Col. Ritchie moved to accept the report 
and extend the time of the Committee with the same instructions as those 
given last year, the dedication to be held in September, 1888, the particular 
day to be designated by Messrs. Starin and Marvin of the Committee. 

The following resolution, introduced by the Hon. Edward Wemple, was 
then passed : 

Resolved., That a Committee consisting of John H. Starin, Warner Miller, 
Edward Wemple, S. S. Cox, Jas. M. Marvin and Geo. Wm. Curtis, be instructed 

* Mr. Wm. L. Stone has this year, 1891, discovered a new fact in regard to Colonel Breyman, from the manu- 
script of a Major in Von Rhetz's regritnent, viz.: that Breyman was shot by one of his own men, after he, Brey^ 
man, had sabred four of his men. He is described as a man of ungovernable ferocity. 



lOO HISTORY OF TH^ SARATOGA MOXITMENT ASSOCIATION. 

to ask Congress for a sum not less than $25,000 to prepare for the dedication 
of the Monument and the expenses incidental to it. 

On motion of Lieut. -Com. McNair, seconded by Gen. De Peyster and E. 
T. Slocum, the following resolution was then passed : 

Resolved^ That the Committee having in charge the dedication of the 
Monument, be instructed to invite to participate in the ceremonies the follow- 
ing, viz. : 

The President and Cabinet. 

The foreign representatives, especially of France. 

The Governors of the several States of the United States. 

The Military Order of the Cincinnati. 

The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. 

The Grand Army of the Republic. 

The descendants of those who participated in the campaign of Saratoga. 

A petition in reference to the appointment of a Janitor of the Monument 
was then referred to the proper committee with full power in the premises. 

On motion of Mrs. E. H. Walworth, Hon. George S. Batcheller was 
elected a Trustee of the Association in place of Mr. Strover, deceased. 

In the autumn of 1887 the Monument was struck by lightning; the 
heavy cap-stone was lifted from its place and carried a short distance from 
the base of the Monument ; for about seven feet below the cap-stone the 
structure was shattered, but fortunately the damage did not reach lower 
down, so the statues and other ornaments were undisturbed. At the annual 
meeting of 1888, among the letters read were the following : 

Dear Old Comrades and Brother Members of the Saratoga Monument Association : 
I had not heard until the receipt of your note of the accident to our 
Monument. I am sad thereat. If the spirit of Sir John Burgoyne were per- 
mitted to revisit the scene of his discomfiture and capitulation, I could 
almost believe that it operated through the bolt which untopped the 
memorial of American triumph over his arrogant campaign. Would not a 
patriotic Congress, which has justly recognized its claim, with commendable 
generosity, acknowledge as a paramount duty the repair of a work so emi- 
nently national, with an additional provision for its future safety? Whose 
duty is it more appropriately ? 

Very truly yours, 

E. W. B. Canning. 



AsHFiELD, Mass., August 9th, 1S88. 
My Dear Mr. Stone — I am very sorry that I shall be unable to attend 
the meeting of the Trustees of the Saratoga Monument Association on the 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. lOI 

14th, and I am glad to know that no important business will be presented, as 
our work is so nearly and happily accomplished. I say our work, but I am 
fully aware its prosperous progress is mainly due to our untiring President, 
Mr, Starin, and to you, our devoted Secretary. 

Perhaps I should add the name of our late associate, Mr. A, S. Sullivan, 
whose charming taste and high intelligence and cordial interest were all of 
great service, and the loss of whose gracious and instructive companionship 
we shall long deplore. 

I trust that Congress will not refuse the aid that is still essential for the 
proper completion of the work which is pre-eminently national, not only as a 
memorial of the great event which practically determined our national inde- 
pendence, but as an inspiring monument of the national spirit upon which 
our progressive greatness depends. 

Very truly yours, 

George William Curtis. 

In announcing the death of Mr. Drexel, the Secretary paid a high tribute 
to his patriotism and generosity. 

General J. Watts de Peyster sent in his resignation as Vice-President and 
Trustee. 

Hon. Warner Miller was elected Vice-President to fill the vacancy. 

Mr. Stone, as Chairman of the Committee on Design, submitted his 
report, from which the following extracts are given: 

Through the efforts of Mr. Starin and Mr. Carroll a bill was carried 
through the United States Senate appropriating the sum of twenty thousand 
($20,000) dollars for the expenses of dedicating the Monument and the unveil- 
ing of the statues this coming fall. When the bill reached the house Mr. 
Starin, at his own personal expense and at a great sacrifice of his time, and 
solely in the interests of the Association, went to Washington to advance its 
passage through the house ; and it would have gone through had proper 
attention been paid to it on the part of certain parties to advance the bill out 
of its regular order. This, however, not being the case, the bill, notwithstand- 
ing Mr. Starin's and Senator Hiscock's efforts, failed to pass. 

The report concluded as follows: " Indeed I may say that too much credit 
cannot be given to Mr. Starin, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Wemple, Mr. Lester, Mr. 
Marvin and Col. Ritchie, for the persistent efforts which, during the last year, 
they have made to advance the interests of the Association ; and if these 
efforts appear, on the surface, not to have been productive of positive results, 
yet, negatively — such as keeping up the credit of the Association, their in- 
fluence, and the outlay of money on the part of Mr. Starin — they have been 
productive of very great, in fact, of incalculable benefit to the Association. 



I02 HISTOKY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

Indeed, knowing as I do the difficulties the Association has had to contend 
with the past year, I am free to saj' that we owe a large debt of gratitude to 
our worthy President, John H. Starin." 

In August, 1889, the Chairman of the Tablet Committee reported: That 
since the annual meeting in August, 1888, four new tablets have been erected 
on the battle-ground at Bemis Heights. Repeated visits have been made to 
the battle-ground, some of them in midwinter, by Capt. A. de R. McNair of 
the committee and by the chairman, in order to select and secure the proper 
positions for these tablets. They occupy respectively the following positions: 

First — The one in memory of Col. John Hardin, presented by General 
M. D. Hardin, U. S. A., is on Freeman's farm, a short distance from the tablet 
formerly erected in special commemoration of the battle of September 19, 1777. 
These two, with the tablet erected in memory of Arnold's bravery, form the 
first group of tablets to be seen on approaching the field from Saratoga 
Springs. 

Second — The new tablet to mark the great ravine where the fierce tide of 
battle swayed, which is presented by Mrs. Estelle Willoughby, is close to the 
bridge between Freeman's farm and Neilson's, and with the tablets erected 
to commemorate the fall of General Frazer and one to mark the British 
line of battle, form the second group of stone in continuing a visit to the 
field. 

Third — The new tablet erected in memory of . General Daniel Morgan 
and presented by Mrs. Frank Taylor, stands in a prominent place about a 
half a mile beyond the second group, and on the ground over which Morgan 
made his famous charge on Frazer's division. 

Fourth — The tablet to mark the river entrenchments and the pontoon 
bridge across the Hudson river, is located near the Bemus Heights tavern, and 
with the one formerly erected at thatpoint and two others on the river road 
form the third group, beside the large tablet on Neilson's place, which stands 
alone. 

The committee feel under many obligations to Messrs. Booth Brothers 
for their generosity and care in filling the orders of the committee, and to 
Mrs. George Ensign for attending to the work on the ground. 

Ellen Hardin Walworth, Chairman. 

Hon. John Sanford and C. S. Closson, on motion of Mr. Marvin, were 
elected trustees. 

The following resolution was offered by Colonel Ritchie, who was form- 
erly commander of a battery in the First New York Light Artillery, which 
did good service on the Peninsula during the late civil war. 

Resolved, " That Congress be requested to transfer to the custody of the 



aiSTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. IO3 

Saratoga Monument Association the four 12-pound bronze pieces captured 
from Burgoyne and now at the Watervliet arsenal, the same to be planted at 
the four corners of the Saratoga Monument at Schuylerville, and that our 
present member of Congress, Mr. Sanford, be requested to secure these pieces 
so that they may at once be placed in the custody of the Monument Asso- 
ciation." 

The committee (John H. Starin, Warner Miller, Edward Wemple, S. S. 
Cox, James M. Marvin and George William Curtis), whose duty it is to mem- 
orialize Congress for an appropriation to defray the expenses of the coming 
dedication, was continued ; also, on motion of Mr. Potter, the committee 
(Wemple, Ritchie and Lester), whose province it is to adjust and arrange for 
the payment of all bills and claims against the Association, was continued. 

President Starin called the attention of the meeting to the advis- 
ability of having a lightning rod placed on the Monument, it having, within 
three years, been struck twice. On motion of Mr. Potter, Commander McNair 
was appointed to inquire into the best means of protecting the Monument 
from lightning, and to report as soon as possible, consistent with a full 
investigation of the subject. 

A letter was then read from Mr. John J. Dalgleish of Edinburgh, Scot- 
land, whose grandfather was in Burgoyne's campaign, enclosing an article from 
the Edinburgh Scotsman of August 3, in reference to a picture of the Saratoga 
Monument now on exhibition at Edinburgh. 

At the annual meeting of the Association, August 12, 1890, the President, 
John H. Starin, presided. Letters were read from absent trustees, and the 
Secretary announced the great loss the Association had sustained in the 
decease of three of its members — Hon. S. S. Cox, John M. Davison and George 
L. Schuyler — and he paid a warm tribute to the memory of each. He then 
said : We must not neglect to refer to the death of Lord Carnovan, late Secre- 
tary of the Colonies of Great Britain, who was the grandnephew of Lady 
Acland, and would, had he lived, have placed a handsome cenotaph to her 
memory on the battle-field of Saratoga. He took an earnest interest in this 
Association, as evinced by the interesting letters from him which have been 
laid before us from time to time. 

The Secretary then read to the Association a letter from Mr. Dalgleish, of 
Edinburgh, in which he states that the colors of the 9th Regiment, which were 
to be given up on the surrender of Burgoyne, are now in the military chapel 
at Sandhurst, England. These colors, in defiance of the capitulation, were 
not surrendered, but with the military chest were concealed by the colonel of 
the regiment ; and it was this violation of the agreement which caused the 
Congress of 1777 to resolve that the "convention troops " should not be sent 
back to England, but be kept in America for further negotiations. Washing- 



Ib4 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

ton himself advised Congress to this course ; and thus it was that 
these very colors of the 9th Regiment led to such negotiation. Our friend 
Mr. Dalgleish proposes to have a large photograph made of the colors 
and present it to the Association, to be placed in the relic room of the Monu- 
ment. 

In Mr. Stone's report, as Chairman of the Committee on Design, he said : 
" During the present session of Congress two bills have been introduced into 
both houses, the first read twice and referred to the Committee on the 
Library. The second bill relates to the loaning by the General Government 
of the eight cannon taken from Burgoyne, and now in the arsenal at Water- 
vliet, Troy, N. Y. The first bill is to obtain $18,500, to pay all remaining 
claims on the Monument ; to procure a bronze top, or cap, and for the dedi- 
cation. Mr. Sanford, in a letter to Mr Starin, writes : 

" ' In regard to the Saratoga Monument bill the Library Committee are 
unanimous in its favor ; and I am authorized to report it favorably whenever 
there is a chance of doing anything with it.' " 

The following are copies of these bills : 

AN ACT to authorize the Secretary of War to loan certain cannon to the 
Saratoga Monument Association. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of 
America in Congress assembled^ That the Secretary of War be, and is hereby 
authorized to loan to the Saratoga Monument Association the following can- 
non and so forth, captured from General Burgoyne at Saratoga, and now on 
hand at the Watervliet Arsenal, West Troy, New York, namely four twelve- 
pounder guns, one eight-inch howitzer, one twenty-four pounder howitzer, 
one eight-inch mortar, and one twenty-four pounder mortar, all bronze : Pro- 
vided^ That the Secretary of War shall cause the four twelve-pounder guns to 
be mounted on suitable carriages before their delivery : Provided^ That said 
cannon shall be removed from said arsenal without expense to the United 
States Government. 

Approved, January 26, 1891. 



A BILL to appropriate $18,484.57 for the completion and dedication of the 
Monument commemorating the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, by 
Mr. Sanford. 

(May 10, 1890. — Read twice, referred to the Committee on the Library, and 

ordered to be printed). 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of 
America in Congress assembled : That the sum of eighteen thousand four hundred 




SARATOGA MONUMENT. 
"Monuments make, as well as mark, the civilization of a people. 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. IO5 

and eighty-four dollars and fifty-seven cents be, and the same is hereby appro- 
priated out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the 
completion and dedication of said Monument, the said money to be paid to 
the Association aforesaid upon the order of the Secretary of War, and subject 
to the same requirements authorizing former appropriations for said Monu- 
ment : Provided, That the said appropriation be applied to the payment of the 
following claims against the Monument Association for work done, and to the 
other objects herein named, namely : To J. C. Markham, architect, for services, 
seven hundred and fifty dollars ; to Booth Brothers, for mason work already 
done, one thousand seven hundred and forty-six dollars ; to C. S. Closson, for 
repairs, grading and so forth, already done, five hundred and eighty-eight 
dollars ; for tablet, six hundred dollars ; for brass window-frames in three 
stories, to replace wooden frames, two thousand dollars ; for copper top and 
lightning conductor, two thousand dollars ; for grading, landscape gardening, 
and fencing and retaining wall, three thousand three hundred dollars ; to 
William L. Stone, Secretary of Association, for services since its organization, 
one thousand dollars ; to American Art Metal Works, in compromise of claim, 
five hundred dollars ; to cover expenses of dedication, six thousand dollars. 



House of Representatives. 

51st Congress, ist Session. Report No. 3077. 

Completion and Dedication of the Saratoga Monument. 

(September 10, 1890. — Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed.) 

Mr. Sanford, from the Committee on the Library, submitted the following 
report (to accompany H. R. 10118): 

The Committee on the Library, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 
10118) appropriating $18,484.57 for the completion and dedication of the Mon- 
ument commemorating the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, beg leave to 
make the following report : 

The purpose of the accompanying bill is to furnish the Saratoga Monu- 
ment Association with sufficient means to liquidate certain existing claims for 
work already done, and to pay for certain furnishings yet necessary to be 
supplied in connection with the final completion of the Saratoga Monument, 
and to enable the Association to suitably dedicate said structure. 

The above Monument having been built partly by national aid and having 
been the subject of former reports to Congress, it will be unnecessary, for the 



106 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

purpose of this report, to recite at length the successive steps leading to its 
origin and construction, but a brief statement of what has been done and of 
the amounts which have been expended by those having the building of the 
Monument immediately in charge, may facilitate a better understanding of 
the bill which your committee has had under consideration. 

In 1859 a few public-spirited citizens of the State of New York, under 
the leadership of Hamilton Fish and Horatio Seymour, organized what is 
known as the Saratoga Monument Association. The Association is duly 
incorporated under a perpetual charter from the State, and was formed for 
the purpose of fittingly commemorating the surrender of General Burgoyne, 
by means of a suitable memorial erected upon the site of the battle of Sara- 
toga. In pursuance of its purpose the Association secured title to the neces- 
sary grounds at a cost of $10,000, which amount was paid by the private 
subscription of members of the Association and other citizens. Plans and 
specifications were also prepared and the task of securing an original and 
elegant monumental design was successfully accomplished. 

In 1880 the State of New York appropriated $25,000 and Congress $30,000 
to the building of the Monument, which amounts were exhausted in complet- 
ing the structure proper, which consists of a magnificent shaft, or tower, 155 
feet, combining the Egyptian and Gothic styles of architecture. 

The most important feature of the Monument, namely, the historic sculp- 
ture, tablets, bronze and brass furnishings which were designed to embellish 
the interior of the tower, together with the statues of Generals Schuyler, 
Gates and Morgan, which it was intended should adorn the exterior thereof, 
yet remained to be provided for, and in 1884 Congress appropriated $40,000 
for these decorative purposes. The sum thus appropriated, it appears, has 
been economically and judiciously expended in payment for such furnishings, 
statuary and historic tablets only, as were most essential to a completion of 
the design and a proper portrayal of the great event to be commemorated. 
Certain work yet remains to be completed and paid for, an itemized account 
of which is given in the accompanying bill, after which the magnificent 
structure awaits a suitable dedication. For the payment of a few existing 
claims and to complete this work yet necessary to be done, and to provide 
means with which to properly dedicate the Monument, the Association has 
asked, and this bill seeks to appropriate, the sum of $18,484.57. 

It will be seen from the foregoing that while the building of the Saratoga 
Monument has not been directly under the supervision of Congress, yet that 
it has been the policy of the National Government to encourage, by substan- 
tial aid, the successful accomplishment of the great undertaking. And it is 
certainly but meet and proper that a nation whose existence has been crowned 
by more than a hundred years of unparalleled prosperity, and whose people 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 10/ 

are now at peace with all the world, should commemorate with becoming 
dignity the great historic events which made such an existence and condition 
possible. Never did a more important battle, when measured by its results, 
occur on American soil than was that waged and won on the consecrated 
plains of Saratoga. By the signal victory there attained the French alliance 
was secured and the hearts of the American colonists were inspired with 
renewed confidence and courage, enabling them to deliver the final stroke at 
Yorktown which broke the bonds of English tyranny and established forever 
our national independence. 

In view, therefore, of the national importance of the great military event 
to be commemorated, and believing the sum named to be actually necessary 
to a proper consummation of a laudable and patriotic purpose, the committee 
earnestly recommend the passage of the bill. 



The annual meeting of the Saratoga Monument Association was held at 
the United States Hotel, in Saratoga Springs, August nth, 1891, Vice-Presi- 
dent Marvin, in the absence of the President, John H. Starin, in the chair. 
The Trustees present were : Hon. D. S. Potter, Comptroller Edward Wemple, 
Lieut. McNair, Mrs. E. H. Walworth, Senator John Foley, Col. D. F. Ritchie 
and Lemon Thompson. 

Letters and telegrams were received and read from President Starin, Hon. 
Geo. William Curtis, Hon. Geo. S. Batcheller, Minister to Portugal, Gen. 
John Meredith Read, Hon. Warner Miller, E. T. Slocum, Gen. Horatio 
Rogers, Hon. Howard Carroll, Gen. S. D. Kirk, E. J. Lowell, Hon. Jas. W, 
Husted, Jno. G. McNary, Architect Markham, Chas. M. Bliss, Gen. Bullard, 
Hon. Chas. S. Lester, Wm. L. Stone, Jr., Hon. Jas. L. Benedict and others. 

There were also present, as invited guests, Prof. D. M. Kelsey, A. A. Pat- 
terson, M. S, Potter, B. G. Carpenter and wife, Frederick NcNaughton, Chas. 
M. Davison, the sculptor Mr. Geo. E. Bissell, Mr. George Whittemore, of the 
New York Press, and Gen. N. M. Curtis. 

JOHN H. STARIN'S LETTER. 

New York City, August 8th, 1891, 
To W. L. Stone, Secretary Saratoga Monument Association : 

My Dear Sir — I regret exceedingly my inability to meet the Saratoga 
Monument Association on Tuesday next, but I find that my engagements are 
such that I cannot possibly leave New York at this time. In my absence I 
ask that you will be good enough to present to the Association — to be placed 
in the Monument — a bronze bust of its first President, the honorable and 



I08 HISTOKT OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

honored Horatio Seymour, which I have caused to be executed by the 
sculptor, Bissel. Gov. Seymour was the pathfinder, so far as our Monument 
is concerned, and now that we are about to close the work, which he so well 
began, it seems to me fitting that I should honor his memory in that way. 
Bespeaking for you a meeting in every way successful and harmonious, 

I am, sincerely yours, 

John H. Starin. 



GEORGE WILLIAM CURTIS LETTER. 

AsHFiELD, Mass., July 22d, 1891. 

My Dear Sir — In my inability to attend the annual meeting, I am glad to 
think the affairs of the Association are in such faithful and devoted hands. 
We have reason to congratulate ourselves that the bill originally drawn by 
the late Hon, S. S. Cox lending to us the ten bronze cannon has become a 
law. They are a fitting and permanent decoration of the great memorial 
work that we have in charge, and I like to think of them as " spiked " forever 
by the mutual good will of England and America. The surrender of Bur- 
goyne contributed to our independence of the British crown, but not of the 
traditions and the power of the race from which we are chiefly sprung, 

I trust that the dedication of the completed Monument will not be long 
delayed, and that the bill, which was unanimously reported by the Library 
Committee at the last session, will be promptly passed by the next Con- 
gress. 

Very cordially yours, 

George William Curtis. 

To the same effect Mr. P. C. Ford wrote, and after expressing his wish 
that the dedication should not be long delayed, said : " An old man passing 
by the uncoflfiined remains of the great Webster, feelingly remarked : * Ah ! 
Mr. Webster, the world will be lonesome without you ; ' so the Saratoga 
Monument Association would to me seem a lonesome place without its pres- 
ent President and Secretary." 

The officers and committees for the ensuing year were then elected. 

General James Grant Wilson, Matthew Clarkson, whose grandfather was 
aid of Gen. Arnold at the battle and Hon. Amos J. Cummings, the successor 
of the late Hon. S. S. Cox in Congress, were then elected trustees. 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMEISIT ASSOCIATION. lOQ 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON DESIGN. 

Gentle?nen of the Saratoga Monumeyit Association : 

In presenting the annual report of your committee, the first item of 
moment is the success which has been met with in securing for the Associa- 
tion the cannon captured from Burgoyne at the surrender. This was accom- 
plished by the efforts of our trustee — Hon. John Sanford — during the last 
session of Congress ; and the cannon now at Watervliet Arsenal, and consist- 
ing of four i2-pounder guns, one 8-inch howitzer, one 24-pounder howitzer, 
one 8-inch mortar, and one 24-pounder mortar, all bronze, having been given to 
the Association in trust, provided a bond for $3,500 is filed in the War Depart- 
ment for the safe keeping of the property. The cost of mounting them on 
bronze carriages will be $1,500 ; but four unused wooden carriages at Water- 
vliet can be altered to fit the four 12-pounder guns at a cost of $25. Action 
regarding this proposition will of course be taken at this meeting. 

Mr. Sanford, however, was not so fortunate in obtaining an appropriation 
of $18,484 for the dedication of the Monument. A bill for this purpose was 
introduced by that gentleman on May 10 of last year, read twice, referred to 
the " Committee of the Library," and ordered to be printed. In addition to 
which the Committee were not only entirely unanimous in recommending its 
passage, but urged Mr. Sanford to report it to Congress. This Mr. Sanford 
lost no time in doing, and at first everything looked most auspicious for its 
passage. Indeed, the bill would have been undoubtedly passed had it not 
been that the tariff, free coinage and Lodge bills, coming up nearly simultan- 
eously, completely absorbed the attention of Congress to the exclusion of 
every other interest. Consequently, as the next Congress is a new one, our 
efforts to secure an appropriation must be begun de novo. Our worthy Presi- 
dent and our Representative in Congress, however, do not despair of being 
successful during the coming session. They will also be greatly aided by 
Mrs. Walworth's new work, containing engravings of the memorial tablets on 
the battle ground, and when it is remembered that the Association have been 
trying ever since 1882 — when our lamented associate, Hon. S. S. Cox, first 
introduced the bill — to secure the captured cannon, this last success may be 
considered a great victory ! Nil desperandum has, from the first organization, 
ever been its motto. Nor will we despair of ultimate success ! 

Some of the Trustees now around me will recall ten years since, when we 
were assembled in this same room with not a cent in the treasury and nothing 
to encourage us save a noble resolve to persevere. On that occasion the late 
Gov. Seymour and Chancellor Pruyn, James M. Marvin and John H, Starin 
said, "be of good cheer" — even as the Indians of Narragansett first greeted 
Roger Williams — driven from the inhospitable shores of Massachusetts for 



1 1 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

Opinion's sake — as his boat grounded upon their beach, with the words, 
" What cheer ? " And what is the result ? The Saratoga Monument Associa- 
tion having, in 1879, nothing in its treasury save the sentiments of patriotism, 
first obtained from successive New York Legislatures, by the exertions of 
Charles S. Lester and D. S. Potter, $15,000 and $10,000, and from Congress 
through President Starin first, $30,000 ; and, secondly, through our President 
again and Algernon S. Sullivan, S. S. Cox, George William Curtis and our 
representative in Congress, Edward Wemple, $40,000 — $95,000 ; and now by 
their efforts, the Saratoga Monument, in massive granite, overlooks " the field 
of the grounded arms," and stands unrivaled among the monuments in 
Europe and America, both for artistic finish and grandeur of design. Said 
Irenaeus Prime, I know of nothing which can compare with it ; and to the 
same effect, wrote President Andrew D. White, in all of my travels both in 
the Old and the New World, I have never seen anything which equals it. 
Judgments from such distinguished men and art critics are of the most 
superlative value. 

Said Gov. Seymour in his oration at the laying of the corner-stone of our 
Monument : " Monuments not only mark, but make the civilization of a 
people ;" and Lord Macaulay in his comments on the siege of Londonderry, 
wrote : "A people which takes no pride in the noble achievements of remote 
ancestors, will never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride 
by remote descendants." 

Since the last meeting I have received a letter from the Secretary of the 
Countess of Carnarvon, widow of the late Earl of Carnarvon, in response to 
the action of the Association at its last annual meeting. 

The financial condition of the Association is the same as by last report. 

It remains but to announce the death, since our last meeting, of Mr, 
Edward W. B. Canning, our first and only corresponding Secretary, and one 
who, by his pen, rendered great aid to the Association in its first beginning. 
He died on August 12th of last year — just after he had penned his usual felici- 
tous letter to be read at our annual meeting — yea, even as I was reading it to 
you, the writer was in the throes of death. 

Mr. Canning was mainly instrumental in procuring the erection of the 
Monument which now marks the site of the fall of Col. Ephraim Williams 
(the founder of Williams College) at the battle of Lake George in September, 
1755, and Mr. Canning's name is very appropriately inscribed on the Monu- 
ment as one of the originators of that tribute to a most distinguished man in 
Colonial times. 

He was also, until his death, a valued Trustee of the Saratoga Monument 
Association ; and until a few years since — when his many engagements forced 
him to resign the office — its Corresponding Secretary. He wrote several 



HI8T0KY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 1 1 I 

exquisite poems — marked by finished versification — for the Association, one 
on the death of General Fraser. 

Another beautiful piece appears in my " Burgoyne's Campaign," entitled, 
*' To the Relics of My British Grenadiers." It was suggested by Mr. Canning 
having in his possession the skull of a British officer found at Lake George, 
the first stanza of which is as follows : 

Strange bivouac, old Grenadier, 
Thou, in my quiet study here, 

Hast found at last ; 
While I, who life's campaign begun 
When thou for forty years hadst done. 

Patrol the past. 

William L. Stone, 

Chairman of the Cofumittee on Design. 

Mrs. Walworth, as Chairman of the " Committee on the Custody of the 
Monument," presented the following report : 

Your Committee would respectfully report : 

That they have visited and made a careful examination of the Monument 
this month. The substantial character of the work is manifest in the good 
preservation of all the important parts of the Monument. We would call 
attention to a few minor things, as the discoloration of the iron stairs and 
ceilings, which now need a coat of paint. Stone or wooden sills under each 
window might, perhaps, prevent the rain and thawing of ice or snow from 
dripping in, which appears to be the cause of the discoloration referred to 
above. 

We would recommend that, as soon as practicable, the names of Gen- 
erals Schuyler, Gates, Morgan and Arnold should be cut in the stone base 
under the three statues, and under the vacant niche where Arnold's statue 
would be but for his treason ; there are visitors unfortunately ignorant enough 
to read the names of the sculptors and believe them to be the heroes of the 
revolution, instead of the eminent artists of to-day. Your Committee feel, with 
the Association, a special pride and interest in the long-desired historical 
cannon, now secured to us through the efforts of Mr. Sanford, and would 
express a wish that the trophies may be sent up from Watervliet before the 
canal closes this autumn, that they may be placed on the four corners of the 
Monument in time for the beginning of the next season. 

We would also respectfully request the Association to invite the President 
of the United States to visit the Monument during his expected sojourn in 



112 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

Saratoga Springs this month. A financial statement of receipts and expendi- 
tures at the Monument accompanies this report. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

Ellen Hardin Walworth. 

Lieut. McNair, to whom was assigned the office of investigating the best 
method of protecting the Monument (which has been struck twice), reported 
in favcr of the plan adopted for the Washington Monument, viz.: that the 
lightning rods should descend from a metallic cap placed on the apex of the 
Monument, and running through the interior, be sunk in the earth. Lieut. 
McNair was continued on the Committee, and was given entire charge of 
this special feature. 

HISTORIC TABLETS. 

The following is the report of the Tablet Committee : 

Your Committee would respectfully report : That they have visited the 
battle grounds at Bemis Heights twice during the year, to inspect the tablets 
erected there, and that they are in good condition. 

The Chairman of the Committee has this summer had photographs taken 
of these tablets (Captain McNair of the Committee accompanying the pho- 
tographer to secure the best view of the tablets, and of other points of in- 
terest on the battle-field), and has presented to each donor of a tablet a pho- 
tograph of the tablet given. Several of these patriotic men and women 
have been unable to visit the battle-ground since the erection of these 
memorial stones which their generosity has provided for the public ; they all 
express much satisfaction with the appearance of the tablets as represented 
in these views. 

Two important points of interest on the field are still open to subscribers, 
one the headquarters of Gen. Gates, the other the line of American entrench- 
ments as planned by Kosciusko, beginning at the river bank ; it was the 
point selected by Governor Seymour for the tablet, which he would have 
erected but for his rapidly-falling health, which followed immediately after 
his selection of this spot for a memorial tablet. It is expected, however, that 
points of so much interest will very soon find willing subscribers. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Ellen Hardin Walworth, 

Chairman of Tablet Committee. 

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

Under this head a resolution was passed that an invitation should be 
tendered President Harrison (on his coming visit to the village) on behalf of 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. I 1 3 

the Association to visit the Monument ; and further, that the local members 
of the Association should be a committee to escort him (in case of his accept- 
ance) to the Monument. 

DAUGHTERS OF THE REVOLUTION. 

Lieut. McNair then offered the following resolution, which was unani- 
mously passed : 

" Whereas, The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revo- 
lution, established in Washington city October ii, 1890, and presided over by 
Mrs. Benjamin Harrison, and represented by women of acknowledged 
standing and ability, has for its object: 

" To perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who 
obtained American Independence by the acquisition and protection of his- 
torical spots, and the erection of monuments, etc. 

" And to cherish, maintain and extend the institutions of American free- 
dom, to foster true patriotism and love of country ; therefore, 

" Resolved, The Saratoga Monument Association sends greeting and 
cordial wishes for success in their patriotic undertakings to the ' Daughters 
of the American Revolution.' " 

PRESENTATION OF THE BRONZE BUST — MR. STONE's REMARKS. 

The meeting closed by the presentation by Secretary Stone, on behalf of 
President John H. Starin, of a magnificent bronze bust of the Association's 
former President, the late Horatio Seymour. Mr. Stone said : 

In presenting to the Association, on behalf of our respected president, a 
bronze bust of its former president, the late Horatio Seymour, a brief sketch 
of the latter seems appropriate — a sketch not of his public and private life, 
but of his relations with the Saratoga Monument Association. 

As one of its original incorporators, and for many years its Vice-President 
and President, his connection with it was not merely nominal or confined to 
verbal platitudes expressive of general interest in its welfare. From the very 
beginning his efforts were most assiduously devoted, both by his pen and on the 
platform to creating a public spirit in favor of the objects of the Association. 
These efforts, moreover, were began and preserved in for many years before the 
recent centennial celebrations all over the land had become the fashion and 
made such efforts comparatively easy ; and, when, consequently, it was down- 
right "uphill" work to create a public sentiment in favor of monuments of 
any kind, no matter how patriotic and praiseworthy the deeds they were 
designed to commemorate. The effects of this continued effort on Governor 



114 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

Seymour's part were at length apparent, when, in procuring the several 
National and State appropriations, his name was always used as a rallying cry 
for patriotic men of all parties in advocating these measures. He delivered, 
it will be remembered, one of the chief orations at the laying of the corner 
stone of the Monument, and contributed most liberally, not only towards the 
expenses of that celebration, but to everything designed to further our success; 
and, when he became too feeble to act longer as our President, he summoned 
me from New York to his bedside at his home in Deerfield, near Utica, (chosen 
partly on account of its overlooking the Oriskany battle ground), for the pur- 
pose of tendering his resignation. On this occasion, after giving me, at my 
request, various valuable suggestions for the final completion of the Monu- 
ment, he stated that he had requested my personal presence chiefly to beg of 
the Association that John H. Starin should be tendered the position of Presi- 
dent made vacant by his resignation. This, he urged, should be done not only 
in recognition of Mr. Starin's successful efforts in procuring from Congress 
the $30,000 appropriation by which the idea of a Monument had been crystal- 
lized into a hard and solid fact, but because he thought that the interests of 
the Association could not be confided to worthier or abler hands. Governor 
Seymour at this time also spoke to me in substance as follows : 

Mr. Stone, the election of Mr. Starin, descended as he is from an old 
Revolution family in the Mohawk Valley, nearly all of whom suffered for 
their patriotism in their persons and fortunes during St. Leger's raid — would 
be eminently fitting, besides being a worthy tribute to a most patriotic man. 

Hence, Governor Seymour being one whose memory Mr. Starin 
"delighteth to honor," has had this classic bust, now before you, made by one 
of America's well-known and best sculptors, Mr. George E. Bissell — the same 
who fashioned the heroic statue of General Gates, which now stands above 
the portals of the Monument. 

I, therefore, have now the honor to present the Saratoga Monument Asso- 
ciation, on behalf of President Starin, with the bust of our late revered Presi- 
dent, Horatio Seymour, which, as you will perceive, is a most life-like likeness. 
Alas! how often have we all of us seen its original seated in this very room 
and at the very table where now stands his si?tmlacrum : 

His walk through life was marked by every grace ; 

His soul sincere, his features void of guile, 
Long shall remembrance all his virtues trace, 

And fancy picture his benignant smile. 

This gift — so long as bronze endures — shall perpetrate the generosity and 
high patriotic spirit of two noble men ; and, as future visitors to the Monu- 
ment shall read the name on this bronze tribute, so shall they, perchance, 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. I15 

recall the words of Cicero, uttered on a somewhat similar occasion : " His 
ipsis legendis, redeo in memorimti jnortuoruni." 

To these remarks Col. D. F. Ritchie, in accepting the bust on behalf of 
the Association, responded in his usual felicitous manner as follows : 

Mr. Chairman — Permit me on behalf of the Saratoga Monument Associa- 
tion to acknowledge this fitting gift from a generous hand. Mr. Starin, the 
President of this Association, has given to us in enduring bronze the simili- 
tude of one who honored this Association in accepting the Presidency of it, 
and to whom it is indebted for much of the success that has attended its 
efforts during the vicissitudes of its history. Mr. Seymour honored the 
Association not so much because of his high rank as the chief executive of 
our great commonwealth, but that he was one who profoundly loved his 
State, and appreciated as a deep and thoughtful student her rich but unde- 
veloped historic treasures, richer perhaps in this section than any other 
portion of our great country. Mr. Seymour always exhibited, as Mr. Starin 
has done, the liveliest interest in this Association and its work up to the hour 
of his death, and no more grateful tribute could be paid to his memory by 
his successor, Mr. Starin, the President of this Association, whose absence 
we regret, than is furnished in this artistic and life-like memorial fashioned 
by the deft hand of so skilled an artist as Bissell. And I offer, sir, as a 
minute of this Association, 

That we gratefully acknowledge and receive from John H. Starin this 
noble bronze bust of Horatio Seymour to be placed in the Monument at 
Schuylerville. 

The minute was unanimously adopted, and the bust placed in the hands 
of the Monument Committee. 

At the conclusion of these remarks the following resolution was passed : 

Resolved^ That the Saratoga Monument Association, appreciating most 
deeply this classic gift of their honored President, John H. Starin, tender him 
their most hearty thanks for the same, and unite in the belief that the donor 
will remain enshrined in the hearts of the patriotic public, so long as the 
bronze which perpetuates the features of their late President shall endure. 
We also congratulate him in having selected a sculptor who has reproduced 
such a wonderful life-like image of the original. 

Upon the adjournment of the meeting the attention of the trustees was 
called to the copies of steel plate portraits and engravings of historic tablets 
prepared for the History of the Association about to be issued by Mrs. 
Walworth ; they were heartily approved. A more careful view was now taken 



ii6 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 



of the bust of Governor Seymour, and much gratification was expressed that 
the generosity of Mr. Starin had enriched the art treasures and the valuable 
memorials of the Monument with this most appropriate gift. The bust was 
left on exhibition in the hotel for one week, and was then conveyed to Schuy- 
lerville and deposited on a handsome pedestal in the lower room of the 
Monument, a fit companion for the bronze tablets of heroic men and women 
of the American Revolution. 




24-POUNDER TAKEN FROM THE BRITISH, 1813. 
The Gift of J. Watts de Peyster. 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. I l6a 



Members of the First Board of Trustees of the Saratoga Monument 

Association, Created by the New York Legislaiure, 

April 19, 1859. 

HAMILTON FISH,* JAMES M. COOK,t 

J. ROMEYN BROADHEAD,t PETER GANSEVOORT,t 

GEO. W. BLEECKER,t JOHN A. COREY,f 

PHILIP SCHUYLER,! ASA C. TEFFT,t 

EDWARD C. DELAVAN,t LEROY MONEY,f 

WM. WILCOX,f HORATIO SEYMOUR,t 

HENRY HOLMES,t BENSON J. LOSSING,t 

GEO. STROVER,t JAMES M. MARVIN.f 



First Board of Trustees, Created by the Amended Act of 
New York Legislature, Passed April 30, 1873. 

HAMILTON FISH,* JOHN A. COREY,f 

HORATIO SEYMOUR,t CHAS. H. PAYNE,f 

BENSON J. LOSSING,t JAMES. M. MARVIN,f 

ASA C. TEFFT,t WILLIAM L. STONE.f 
LEROY MONEY,t 



Second Board of Trustees, Elected Since the Passage of the 

Amended Act. 

JOHN WATTS DE PEYSTER,* B. W. THROCKMORTON,f 

ALGERNON S. SULLIVAN,f CHAS. K. GRAHAM,t 

JOHN H. STARIN, S. S. COX.f 

* Resigrned. t Deceased. 



ii6b 



HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 

Second Board of Trustees — Continued. 



DOUGLAS CAMPBELL,* 
D. F. RITCHIE, 
EDWARD F. BULLARD, 
MRS. E. H. WALWORTH, 

D. A. BULLARD, 
P. C. FORD, 

H. CLAY HOLMES,! 

C. W. MAYHEW, 
STEPHEN D. KIRK, 
HORATIO ROGERS, 
JOEL MUNSELL,t 
LEMON THOMPSON, 
J. MEREDITH READ, 
J. V. L. PRUYN,t 
HORATIO SEYMOUR, Jr.,* 
CHAS. M. BLISS, 

GILES B. SLOCUM,t 
JAMES H. KELLY,* 
WM. J. BACON,t 
FRANK PRUYN,t 

E. W. B. CANNING.f 
JAMES W. HUSTED, 
E. R. MUDGE,t 
WEBSTER WAGNER,t 

D. S. POTTER, 
GEO. L. SCHUYLER,t 
PARKER HANDY,t 



JAMES B. CAMPBELL,! 

W. A. SACKETT, 

GEO. WM. CURTIS, 

WM. L. STONE, Jr., 

ISAAC N. ARNOLD,! 

CHAS. S. LESTER, 

WARNER MILLER, 

E. G. LAPHAM,f 

EDWARD WEMPLE, 

J H. DILLINGHAM,! 

JOHN SANFORD, 

C. S. CLOSSON, 

J. M. DAVISON,! 

J. G. McNARY, 

JOSEPH W. DREXEL,! 

A. B. BANCUS, 

A. R. N. McNAIR, 

ELLIOTT T. SLOCUM, 

GEO. S. BATCHELLER, 

E. L. FURSMAN, 

N. B. SYLVESTER, 

HOWARD CARROLL, 

JOHN FOLEY, 

EDWARD J. LOWELL, 

AMOS J. CUMMINGS, 

GEN. JAMES GRANT WILSON, 

MATTHEW CLARKSON. 



* Resigned, t Deceased. 



SCHUYLERVILLE 



SCHUYLERVILLE 



This village, the Saratoga of the 
past, which forms so important and 
interesting a feature in the Burgoyne 
campaign, is beautifully situated on 
the right bank of the Hudson River, 
about thirty-five miles above Albany 
and twelve miles east of Saratoga 
Springs. The drive from the latter 
place is over a regular stage road, that 
is kept in good condition; a start is 
made through one of the most delight- 
ful streets. Lake avenue, and when 
about a mile out, a beautiful view of 
the village of Saratoga Springs may 
be seen; after a stretch of plain and 
hill, as the approach is made towards 
the river in the last half of the ride, 
fine views are obtained, and a pictur- 
esque farming country is traversed. 
Schuylerville lies on the lower slope 
of the historic heights of Old Sara- 
toga, and every foot of ground as one 
enters the village limits is rich in in- 
terest, is thronging with memories of 
the past. 

Old Saratoga ! the great Indian 
hunting ground of the seventeenth 
century, the great Indian patent of 
the eighteenth century, the home of 
the Christian Iroquois, the outpost 
of white civilization, the place of forts, 
the scene of massacres, the birthplace 
of heroism, the hills of triumph ! 
Who could fail to feel a thrill of pride 



and joy, yet tremulous with rising 
tears, as he stood on the Heights of 
Old Saratoga; old, indeed, since it has 
nearly reached the second century of 
its existence, for " on the second day 
of August, 1690, Saratoga took its 
place among the long list of our coun- 
try's geographical names." From 
that time it constantly appears in the 
accounts of the wars or the progres- 
sive settlement of the country. It is, 
however, pre-eminently important as 
the place of Burgoyne's surrender, the 
last spot to which his harrassed, yet 
sternly disciplined army was driven; 
the ground upon which his ambitious 
spirit succumbed to the inevitable for- 
tune of war, when he reluctantly 
called his officers together and gave 
his vote with theirs for capitulation; 
and where, on a terrace-like bluff, 
before the assembled thousands, 
friends and foes, he yielded his sword 
to General Gates. 

Here is also the plain, now partly 
filled by canal and basin, and marked 
by the elm tree of traditional renown, 
where the British stacked their arms. 
Here also is the site of the Schuyler 
mansion, which was burned by Bur- 
goyne's order, and where the officers 
representing the commanders of the 
respective armies first met for the 
consideration of the terms of surren- 



I20 



SCHTJYLERVILLE. 



der, and near it is the first place of 
meeting between Burgoyne and Gates, 
for an interchange of the courtesies 
of military life before the final surren- 
der. The Schuyler mansion, as re- 
built and occupied for many years by 
the General, is still standing. 

On a pine-crested hill, south of the 
Fish Creek, which overlooks the ceme- 
tery on the north side, are the remains 
of earthworks. On this hill Major 
Stevens probably placed the artillery 
from which were thrown the very 
balls that tradition says interrupted 
so rudely the dinner of the British 
generals. 

This cemetery hill, stretching to- 
wards Victory, was evidently that 
strongly fortified part of the camp 
indicated on the old military maps as 
the position of Frazer's light rangers, 
and those now living assisted in the 
destruction of the earthworks, as de- 
clared in the affidavits below. A 
drive from the cemetery along the 
heights takes one quite through the 
site of the British camp, and is appro- 
priately terminated at the Riedesel 
house, now owned by Mr. Marshall, 
and shown to visitors with great kind- 
ness and intelligent interest. This 
house was visited by Mr. Lossing 
nearly thirty years ago, when he 
sketched the interior and exterior for 
his Field-Book. Since then the house 
has been remodeled, but the main 
timbers, and, in fact, all the rooms 
remain as they were in 1777. The 
rafter and base boards, through which 
the cannon balls passed, have been 
removed. They are carefully pre- 



served, and upon inspection will be 
found to authenticate Madame Rie- 
desel's thrilling account of the days 
spent in this house — scenes that are 
vividly recalled as one stands upon 
the cellar floor, where her little chil- 
dren crouched in terror. 

From the piazza may be seen the 
hills on the east side of the river, 
where the American artillery was 
posted, from which were thrown the 
balls that tore through the house. 
The exact place where Burgoyne 
crossed the river is also in sight ; and 
upon riding to that spot, the river 
bank will be found cut away on each 
side, to facilitate the passage of the 
army. A little to the south are the 
hills on which the Americans, under 
Fellows, were posted. 

Many places of minor interest may 
be visited at Schuylerville, and the 
tourist of leisure would be well re- 
paid for a week or more of rambling 
and driving about this lovely village, 
where every comfortable accommoda- 
tion can be found at the Goldsmith 
House, which has also the induce- 
ment of a good sulphur spring in its 
grounds. 

The village is quiet and quaint, and 
is remarkable for the large number of 
families who have lived within its 
limits or neighborhood for several suc- 
cessive generations. This fact gives 
an unusual interest and authentica- 
tion to the traditions of the place. 
The following affidavits were made 
by two of the oldest inhabitants for 
the use of the Senate Committee hav- 
ing the Saratoga Monument under 



SCHCiYLEEVILLE. 



121 



consideration ; they are now pub- 
lished for the first time.* 



State of New York, 
County of Saratoga. 



Albert Clements, being duly sworn, 
deposes and says: I reside in the town 
of Saratoga, in said county, in the 
vicinity of the village of Schuylerville, 
and have resided there since the year 
1 789 — am now ninety-five years of age. 
I came to this town from Dutchess 
county. Abraham Marshall was re- 
siding here then on the farm now 
occupied by his grandson, William 
Marshall. I heard him (Abraham) say 
that he witnessed the surrender of 
Burgoyne's army ; that the British 
army marched down below the gravel 
hill located on the west side of the 
river road, south of Fish Creek, and 
Burgoyne there surrendered his 
sword. I have frequently heard sol- 
diers who were in Gates' army tell the 
following incident: After the retreat 
of the British army from Stillwater 
towards Schuylerville, the American 
army pursued them as far as a hill on 
the south bank of Fish Creek, nearly 



opposite the village of Victory, and 
there erected a battery, and fired their 
guns towards the point on the north 
side of the creek, where Burgoyne 
happened to be at the table eating, 
and a ball came on the table and 
knocked off a leg of mutton. 

I remember, when I was a boy, of 
seeing breastworks extending as much 
as a quarter of a mile in length along 
the hill where Prospect Hill Cemetery 
now is located, in the direction of the 
road just west of the cemetery. I 
assisted in tearing them down. They 
were made of pine logs and earth. I 
ploughed up a cartridge box contain- 
ing about sixty musket balls. 

I remember the old Dutch Church, 
which stood on the south side of the 
road now running from the river road 
to Victory ; I frequently attended 
meeting there. It was a wooden 
structure, heavy timbers and clap- 
boarded. 

There were no other buildings on 
the south side of the creek except 
General Schuyler's mansion, and only 
two on the north side at that time. 

I visited General Schuyler's man- 



* I have had the pleasure of conversing with these old men, and can bear witness to the clearness and 
readiness of their memory. 

Mr. Clements is exceedingly interesting, and a man of some attainments. He has been a civil engineer, and 
told me that he had surveyed the first lots that were laid out in Schuylerville, Philip Schuyler, grandson of the 
General, and Mr. Beadle, who afterwards laid out the village of West Troy, carrying the chain. Mr. Clements 
also said he had made the survey that settled the disputed line between the towns of Northumberland and Sara- 
toga, and a curious incident enabled him to verify his work. He found the old survey mark in a log of yellow 
pine (known to be very durable) under ground, and corresponding with his own lines. 

Mr. McCreedy is one of four generations who have fought in the various wars of the country. His father 
and grandfather were in the battles of Saratoga; he fought in the battle of Plattsburgh in the war of 1812, 
and his son took an active part in the late war. His wife, who is near his own age, and has lived with him 
sixty years, is a very bright old lady. She gives a vivid account of a Fourth of July celebration that took place at 
Schuylerville tifty-five years ago, when the veterans of the revolution had a banquet spread for them on the plain 
b-^fore Fort Hardy, where the British stacked their arms. She says the old men were very spry on that day, and 
that there was then assembled the largest crowd of people ever gathered at Schuylerville. 



E. H. W. 



122 



SCHUYLERVILLE. 



sion when he was there ; I saw him 
signing deeds or leases. 

Albert Clements. 

Sworn to before me, April 13th, 1S77. 
S. Wells, Notary Public. 



State of New York, } 
Saratoga Count)'. f 

William H. McCreedy, being duly 
sworn, deposes and says: I am eighty- 
six years of age, now reside in the 
village of Schuylerville, in said coun- 
ty, and have there resided for over 
sixty years past. I remember of 
hearing my father and grandfather, 
who were both in Gates' army, say : 
that they witnessed Burgoyne's sur- 
render ; that the terms of the sur- 
render were signed under the elm 
tree now standing on the east side of 
Broad street, in Schuylerville, between 
the feed store of Simon Sheldon and 
the blacksmith's shop adjoining on 
the south; and that the British army 
marched down the river road just 
below Gravel Hill, south of Fish 
Creek, and surrendered. 



I remember seeing breastworks, ex- 
tending north and south, on the river 
flats, between the village and the 
river. I dug up five cannon balls 
there some fifty years ago. I visited 
old General Schuyler at his mansion 
several times. I dined there on one 
occasion; and after finishing my meal, 
the old General asked me if I had 
eaten enough. I answered that I had 
all that I wanted, and he replied: " If 
you have, knock out your teeth." 

My grandfather, Charles McCreedy, 
and father, James McCreedy, were both 
in the engagements fought at Bemis' 
Heights, September 19th and October 
7th, 1777. They told me that General 
Gates' headquarters were south of the 
old Dutch Church, and were present 
at the surrender ; and that the old 
turnpike road was about where the 
canal now is. 

William H. McCreedy. 

Sworn before me, April 13th, 1877. 
S. Wells, Notary Public. 



GUIDE 

lO 

THE BATTLE GROUND AND SCHUYLERVILLE 



GUIDE TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



(Nine miles southeast). See Map of the 

Third Period of Burgoyne's Campaign; 

also Map of Drives.) 

The Battle Ground proper is about 
nine miles from Saratoga Springs; but 
to drive there, around and through all 
the interesting spots and back again, 
makes a drive of about twenty - four 
miles. Taken leisurely, it is a delightful 
day's expedition. Having ordered a 
carriage, or, for a large party, chartered 
an omnibus, and prepared a lunch to be 
eaten at some historic spot — either in the 
British Camp near Freeman's Farm, at 
Gates' Headquarters near the Neilson 
House, or at Wilbur's Basin down by the 
river — leave the village at eight or nine 
o'clock in the morning, expecting to re- 
turn at five or six o'clock in the after- 
noon. 

Drive out Union Avenue to the Lake, 
down the hill behind Moon's to the 
Tolime's House, cross the bridge, and fol- 
low the road along the Lake shore, about 
a mile and a half, to Myer's Cedar Bluff 
Hotel. Here take the first left hand 
road, and drive up Caldwell's Hill, from 
which there is a view similar to that from 
Chapman's Hill. Take the second left 
hand road, which turns off between an 
orchard and a little cemetery, and enters 
a pleasant wood. Keep first to the right 
and then to the left. On emerging from 
the woods, drive straight on past a small 
red school-house, and up Summit Hill, 
the highest point on the drive, from which 
there is a splendid view in every direc- 
tion. Standing out prominently on the 



eastern bank of the Hudson, Willard's 
Mountain, from which the Americans 
looked into the British camp at Sword's 
House, is seen, and remains in sight dur- 
ing the drive over the Battle Ground. 
From here a cross-road is passed, and 
the road skirts a rounded, pine-crowned 
hill, at the foot of which it turns sharply 
to the right, and reaches the highway to 
Quaker Springs. Here turn to the right 
again near the Quaker Meeting House, 
and keep to the left where the road forks. 
From the moment the Quaker Meet- 
ing House is reached, one is on historic 
ground. Frazer's march through the 
woods to the first fight was about where 
the road now is. At a short distance 
Breyman's Hill (the Hessian Camp, 
where Breyman was killed and Arnold 
wounded), a rounded eminence, covered 
with small trees, is seen to the left. At 
the first cross-road turn to the left, and 
the first farm house on the right, which 
is now occupied by Mr. Brightman, 
stands on the old revolutionary clearing 
of "Freeman's Farm," around which 
raged the fury of both battles. Some 
interesting relics, dug up in the neigh- 
borhood, are shown here, and the old 
well is pointed out, for the possession of 
which the British and American soldiers 
fought fiercely on the 19th of September. 
In the woods just across the road from 
" Freeman's Farm " is an old graded 
road, made by Burgoyne to bring his 
cannon across the ravine. Lately the 
bridge has been rebuilt, and now farm 
wagons travel in the ruts of the old can- 



126 



GUIDE TO THE UATTLE QKOUND. 



non wheels. From Ereyman's Hill, 
which still retains faint traces of en- 
trenchments and an old road, and 
which may be reached by a walk over 
the fields, one can get a good view of 
the ravines in the rear of the British 
Camp, and the battle field of October 
7th, stretching off to the south and 
west. On Bemis' Heights, about two 
miles south, is seen the Neilson 
House, near a poplar tree. This stood 
in the American Camp. 

On Breyman's Hill will be found 
the beautiful marble tablet erected to 
mark this interesting spot, and on 
Freeman's farm will be seen the 
solid granite tablet which marks the 
battle of September 19th, and also 
the tablet which commemorates the 
taking of Balcarras' Redoubt and 
the distinguished services of Col. 
John Hardin. 

From Freeman's farm return to the 
main road, and driving south there 
will be seen on the right side of the 
road the tablet which marks the spot 
where Frazer fell ; a few rods farther 
on the left is the tablet that stands 
on the position taken by the British 
in their line of battle ; still onward, 
dow^n the hill, will be found a tablet 
which marks the great ravine where 
the tide of battle swayed back and 
forth. 

Driving on to the first turn to the 
east brings one to the foot of Mor- 
gan's hill, where the Morgan tablet 
tells its own story. Following east- 
ward up the heights brings one to 
Fort Xeilson, with its handsome tab- 
let commemorating this point of 
defence, and the headquarters of Poor 



and Morgan. Here the road turns 
sharply to the south for a short dis- 
tance, and again east, where another 
tablet marks the headquarters of 
General Gates ; then going onward 
along the heights there is soon a 
gradual descent to the river, where 
the present Bemis' Heights Tavern is 
located, and near which will be found 
the tablet that marks the sight of the 
Revolutionary building. North on 
the river road, will be seen a tablet 
marking the river defences, and far- 
ther on the tablet which indicates the 
most advanced entrenchments of the 
Americans and commemorates the ser- 
vices of Col. Nicholas Fish ; continue 
on to the Ensign farm, near which 
are the three high hills entrenched 
by the British, the largest of which 
was the Great Redoubt where General 
Frazer was buried, while under these 
redoubts the whole British Army was 
crowded during October Sth,and here 
were their hospitals. A tablet marks 
this interesting spot. 

The drive over historic ground 
may now be completed by going up 
the heights through the scene of 
Burgoyne's camp. The main road 
is reached at the Leggett farm, and 
a turn to the left will bring you 
again on the road to Saratoga. 

The Round Trip to Bemis' Heights 
AND ScHUVLERViLLE. After driving 
out to the Battle Ground and visit- 
ing the various spots mentioned 
above, instead of returning to Sara- 
toga Springs, drive up the river road 
to Schuylerville. Along this road 
the British army marched to the 
Battle Ground and retreated to the 



GUIDE TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



127 



Place of Surrender, halting each time at 
Dovegat or Coveville. Spend the night 
at the Goldsmith House in Schuylerville, 
and return to Saratoga . Springs the next 
day, visiting in the meantime all the his- 
toric spots at Old Saratoga. Omnibuses 
may be chartered for this trip. 

Guide to Schuylerville. (Twelve 
miles east.) The regular stage road to 
Schuylerville leaves Broadway, Saratoga 
Springs, at ]>ake avenue, passes Free- 
man's Hotel without turning, and con- 
tinues along the north side of Fish 
Creek to Grangerville. Here it crosses 
a bridge and turns south, passes a cross 
road, turns to the left, crosses the creek 
again and then goes direct through Vic- 
tory to Schuylerville. Fish Creek may 
be crossed either at Stafford's orBrjan's 
Bridge, and the drive continued along 
the south side of the creek through a 
fine farming region to Schuylerville. 
(See Map of Drives.) The principal 
thoroughfare in this village is Broad 
street, running parallel with the river. 
An old Elm is shown, between which 
and Fort Hardy the British laid down 
their arms. The site of Fort Hardy is 
on the plain near the canal basin, reach- 
ed from Perry street. Drive out Broad 
street to the Fishkill. The old ford across 
the creek is said to have been at the first 
bend below the modern bridge. The 
Schuyler mansion, now Col. Stover's, is 
seen to the left after crossing the creek. 
A few rods beyond is the site of the old 
mansion burnt by Burgoyne. A gravel 
hill to the right is where Lovelace, the 
Tory, was executed. A little beyond 
this is the spot where Gates and Bur- 
goyne met for the first time. About 
where the road to Victory leaves the river 



road stood the old Dutch Church. A 
few rods further on is the bluff 
upon which it is probable that 
Gates' marquee stood, in front of 
which Burgoyne surrendered his sword. 
The house which was used as headquar- 
ters by Gates formerly stood some dis- 
tance south of this bluff. The house in 
which Madam Riedesel remained during 
the cannonade is a mile north of the 
village. After leaving this house, drive 
towards the village, and take the first 
road to the right, which passes the Welch 
place, upon which there Avere remains of 
old barracks a few years ago. To ob- 
tain a fine view of Burgoyne's position 
here, follow this road to the summit of 
the Heights, and then turn to the left, 
driving to Victory along the ridge of the 
Heights, upon which the British Camp 
was posted until the time of the sur- 
render. The Germans, under Riedesel 
and Hanau, were encamped to the north; 
the British regulars extended beyond the 
new cemetery to a strongly fortified hill 
just back of Victory, which formed the 
south-western part of the camp, and the 
Canadians were stationed at the western 
outposts; while Morgan's corps, under 
cover of the woods, hemmed them in to 
the north-west. (See Map of Third Pe- 
riod of Burgoyne's Campaign.) 

A monument, located on the summit 
of these Heights, would have an impos- 
ing appearance, and would be discern- 
ible at a great distance from many di- 
rections. 

Bennington. The Battle Ground of 
Bennington can be reached from Schuy- 
lerville by a drive of five miles through 
a beautiful region to Greenwich or Union 
Village, and thence by rail to Benningtoa 



MAP OF THE THIKD PKKIOD 



HT^RGOYXK'S ( iVMPAKiX 

iiu-hifUu£> 

TIIK TWO ILVnXKS OF SARATOGA 

Tlic Amcriciiu mid Ikilisli ("amps al IJcnvis Heights 
and lli<- 

PIACK OF SUKRP:nDKK 17 




KEY TO THE MAP OF THE THIRD PERIOD OF BURGOYNB'S 

CAMPAIGN, 1777 



The March. The military move- 
ments may be easily followed on this 
map by starting with the line of march 
of Burgoyne's army where it crosses the 
Hudson river on the bridge of boats, 
above the Batten Kill; follow to the first 
encampment at Saratoga, the second at 
Coveville, the third at Swords House. 
From this place began the march to at- 
tack the American camp posted on 
Bemis' Heights, and which resulted in 
the battle of September 19th. The 
march is in three columns, indicated by 
three colored lines; follow two of these 
columns to Freeman's Farm. 

Battle OF September 19TH. Leave 
the large map and trace the battle in the 
smaller division marked Battle of Sep- 
tember 19th. In the first position it will 
be seen that Riedesel's corps (green) has 
not yet reached the field; the Canadians 
are in advance, pushed by the Ameri- 
cans (yellow); the British columns are 
breaking up to form in line of battle. 

In the second position Canadians 
are driven back, British regulars (red) 
are in action, the light artillery are on 
Burgoyne's hill (marked Breyman's 
camp). 

In the third position may be seen the 
onset of the Americans ; Riedesel 
comes into action; British and Hessian 
grenadiers are drawing up in lines, Amer- 
icans are resisting this. 

In the fourth position the British lines 
are unbroken, the Americans are pushed 
towards their entrenchments. 



The Camps. Refer again to the large 
map and find the British camp estab- 
lished on the field of September 19th; 
Freeman's Farm and Burgoyne's Hill 
(marked Breyman's camp) being within 
the entrenchments, which extend to the 
river, where the hills are fortified with 
redoubts, and the hospital, artillery 
stores and batteaux are covered by a 
strong battery, near which is the bridge 
of boats. 

The defences of the American and 
British camps, which lay within two miles 
of each other from September 19th to 
October 7th are readily traced by follow- 
ing the course of the streams in the 
front and rear of the camps; these in- 
dicate ravines that deepen toward the 
river. 

Battle of October 7TH. In trac- 
ing this action observe the British and 
Hessians drawn up in line of battle 
southwest of their camp, with Frazer's 
light infantry on the right, the Hessians 
in the centre and the British grenadiers 
on the left. The Americans are seen 
pouring from their camp in three main 
columns. Next observe Frazer's second 
position to cover the retreat into the en- 
trenchments; this position he never fully 
obtained, being wounded, and his troops 
thrown in confusion in the act of taking 
it. Balcarras' camp was next stormed; 
Williams' artillery having been captured, 
and the grenadiers being driven within 
the works, along which the battle raged, 
Breyman's camp, the final point of at- 



T30 



KEY TO THE MAP 



tack, was captured; this being, as is read- 
ily seen, the keystone of Burgoye's en- 
camped position. 

Position on the Morning of Oc- 
tober 8th. Refer to the small map 
marked " Position on the Morning of 
October 8th." The British will be found 
crowded down by the river near the hos- 
pital and batteaux, the Americans close 
upon them. While in this position the 
funeral of Frazer took place on the great 
redoubt. 

The Retreat. This will be traced 
along the river road to Coveville, where 
a halt was made; thence to Saratoga and 
across the Fish Kill. 

Camp on the Heights of Sarato- 
ga. It will be seen at this point that 



the British were strongly posted; the 
Americans will be found surrounding 
them on every side. 

The Surrender. The place where 
the British stacked their arms is indicat- 
ed on the plain near Fort Hardy ; the 
spot where Burgoyne surrendered his 
sword to Gates is a short distance below 
the church, which is south of the Fish 
Kill, on the river road. 

Opposite the Batten Kill two houses 
are indicated by dark spots on the map, 
on each side of the road to Fort Miller; 
the most northerly is the one in which 
the Baroness Reidesel took refuge. It 
was commanded by the guns seen on the 
hills noxth of the Batten Kill, from which 
shot was thrown into the houses. 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 




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(A 

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A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



I. 

"America is the Old rather than the 
New World, being the first-born among 
the continents; " when 

" Earth was young and keeping holiday — 
Monster fishes swam the silent main, 
Stately forests waved their giant branches. 
Mountains hurled their snowy avalanches, 
Mammoth creatures stalked across the plain." 



It is a pleasant morning late in June. 
One of those ineffable days that belong 
to this month in the region of country 
lying along the south-eastern foot of the 
Adirondacks; that "angle between the 
great northern and western war-paths " 
of the past that followed " the encircling 
chain of almost a thousand miles of liv- 
ing waters that surround Northern N^w 
York." In this atmosphere are combined 
the freshness of the mountains, the mel- 
lowness of the plains, the healthfulness 
of the pines. In the heart of this region, 
on the edge of the Laurentian rocks of 
the world's first continent, sits the village 
of Saratoga Springs, drawing to herself, 
magnet-like, the men and women of many 
nations; attracting them by various prop- 
erties, yet pouring forth to all alike the 
treasures of her wonderful chemical lab- 
oratory, and clothing all in new vigor 
with her mountain-freighted atmosphere. 

On the western piazza of one of her 
famous hotels, the United States, are 
numerous groups of visitors. Miss Kate 
Van Eyck, a blooming blonde of twenty; 
Miss Pelham, her young friend, graceful 



and fashionable, recently returned from 
Europe; and Mrs. Harris, a middle- 
aged, youthful looking widow, sit loung- 
ingly near the piazza railing, their books 
and fancy-work lying neglected in their 
laps. Mr. Winship, a young lawyer 
from Boston, enjoying his short vacation, 
leans against a column, gazing absently 
at Miss Van Eyck; Judge Van Eyck, 
her father, " a true Knickerbocker in the 
fullest sense of the word," approaches 
,with a firm, even tread, suggestive of dig- 
nity, self-reliance, and exactness of char- 
acter. 

Judge Van Eyck, as he draws up a 
chair and sits down: "Well, ladies, do 
we go the battle-field to-day? it is a glo- 
rious morning, and I am already inspired 
with some patriotic emotions. I find 
there is nothing like a little leisure to 
allow the sentiments to expand — with 
the help of an entertaining book. I 
must thank you, Mrs. Harris, for my re- 
awakened interest in the glories of my 
country." 

Mrs. Harris: "How is that. Judge; 
was it the shabbv little volume I loaned 
you yesterday ? " 

Judge Van Eyck: "Yes; I always find 
these impromptu journals of army offi- 
cers the most delightful kind of history. 
They photograph the scene on the spot, 
quite a different process from your ela- 
borate painting, such as the historian of 
the future gives, filled with imaginary 
figures, and diffused with an atmosphere 
of his own ideas and opinions. It is re- 



134 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



freshingly real to find these young Eng- 
lish lords of '76, Captains and Lieuten- 
ants, calling us rebels, and predicting 
our speedy annihilation." 

Mrs. Harris: " Some of them were un- 
consciously elegant writers; but have 
you read any of the journals and travels 
written by Hessian officers who were with 
the British army ? They are charming; 
the simplicity, quaintness and truth with 
which they describe the country and the 
people are incomparable." 

Miss Van Eyck: "O, Mrs. Harris! do 
tell father that delightful story about the 
German poet." 

Mr. Winship, drawing near: "What 
do I hear about a poet, Miss Van Eyck?" 

Miss Pelham: "Of course Kate has 
found a poetic element in the subject 
under discussion; she is so romantic." 

Mr. Winship: " I am glad to hear Miss 
Van Eyck is romantic. I thought her 
eminently practical." 

Miss Van Eyck: "I protest against 
being discussed before my face, and if 
we are going to the battle field, we had 
better start; but I don't want to go to 
day. I thought I knew all about the 
battle of Saratoga, and I have just dis- 
covered that I know nothing. Mrs. 
Harris is a perfect encyclopedia, and I 
know she will tell me all about it, if we 
wait a few days; won't you, Mrs. Harris ? 
Why should we hurry, father ? " 

Judge Van Eyck : " I am in no 
hurry, Kate ; you know I promised that 
while here I would obey your orders, 
but the other ladies may prefer to go 
now ; decide it among yourselves." 

Miss Pelham : " Dear me, Kate ; you 
do not expect to know all the history 
and details concerning places you visit, 



do you ? I tried the guide-books in 
Europe, and found them detestable. I 
think if you have a general idea that 
something wonderful has happened at a 
place, that is sufficient to excite an agree- 
able interest. It's an awful drag to try 
to remember the names of kings and 
generals who were on this side, and who 
on that — it interferes with the sentiment ; 
now you like sentiment, why bother 
about facts." 

Miss Van Eyck : " Which means, I 
suppose, that you do not wish our trip 
deferred." 

Miss Pelham : " O no, not at all ; one 
day will suit me as well as another, but I 
am thinking how I will dispose of the 
time while you and Mrs. Harris are talk- 
ing history. I must go in search of a 
new novel." 

Mrs. Harris : " You forget. Miss Fan- 
ny, that I have made no promise yet, 
and Kate's jest about my knowledge is 
no guarantee that I have the information 
necessary to bore you. I do not half 
believe in your avowed preference for 
ignorance, however, and I have no doubt 
but you will assist in recalling the men 
and events that give historic interest to 
the old battle ground." 

Miss Van Eyck : " What was the name 
of that German officer you were telling 
me about .'' " 

Mrs. Harris : " His name was Seume, 
and he was not an officer, which gives 
additional interest to his trials and hard- 
ships ; he bore them with philosophical 
endurance, or rather an easy indiffer- 
ence. His comrades, the German com- 
mon soldiers, employed by the British, 
were ignorant, coarse and degraded, 
mere slaves of the petty despots who 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



135 



ruled them ; yet there must undoubt- 
edly have been an occasional individual 
like Seume himself, who possessed edu- 
cation and refinement. The officers 
were entirely of this class, and more than 
that, they all belonged to the nobility, 
and were among the most accomplished 
gentlemen of Europe." 

Mr. Winship: "Why, Mrs. Harris! 
you astonish me ; are you not mistaken ? 
Surely the Hessians employed against 
us were universally a gross, thieving, de- 
graded set of wretches. I did not sup- 
pose a word could be said in their favor. 
Even their own countryman, Frederick 
the Great, taxed them like so many head 
of cattle for the privilege of passing over 
his territory. Certainly, he intended by 
this to show his disgust for the enter- 
prise in which they were engaged, and 
his contempt for their rulers." 

Judge Van Eyck : " I fear we can- 
not give Frederick credit for these 
noble sentiments. He was the last 
man likely to sympathize with the cause 
for which the Americans contended. 
He was simply angry and jealous that 
the troops he had been in the habit of 
hiring for his own purposes, for a trifling 
sum of money, were now let out at a 
high price, thus raising their market 
value, and he determined to appropriate 
a part of the profit to himself." 

Mr. Winship : " Really, one is tempted 
to throw all histories into the fire, when 
discovering the false impressions receiv- 
ed from them. I begin to think that it 
is not worth while to read history at all. 
I believe I have never felt my sympa- 
thies and opinions fully in accord with 
people or events in the past, that I have 



not afterward had my whole theory 
about them upset, and my facts ques- 
tioned." 

Judge Van Eyck : " Yes, sir ; you will 
generally find this to be the case, which 
only proves that we have no right to 
theories or feelings in regard to histori- 
cal persons and events. We must sift 
out the facts as well as we can, and look 
upon them as abstract facts alone." 

Miss Van Eyck : " Indeed, father, you 
know that cannot be done — and that you 
certainly do not do it ; you have the 
strongest kind of likes and dislikes. You 
must remember how you defend Gen. 
Schuyler ; and as to Gen. Gates, I think 
you talk dreadfully about him, consider- 
ing he was one of the Revolutionary 
heroes." 

Mrs. Harris : " You are all wandering 
very far away from my young German 
student, although I find I have really 
very little to tell you about him. He 
was a youth of brilliant poetic talent, 
and an eager student ; was on his way 
from the university at Leipsic, to Paris, 
where he would soon complete his 
course of study, when he was suddenly 
seized by a recruiting officer, and driven 
like a slave to the nearest military 
post. Yet so little idea had the men 
of that time of their individual rights, 
that it does not seem to have occur- 
red to him to make even a protest 
against such an outrage. Imagine an 
ardent, refined young man forced from 
place to place, and finally plunged into 
the depths of one of those horrible 
ships that transported the German troops 
from England to Canada. Their Land- 
grave sent them to England, almost des- 



136 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



titute of clothing ; contracts were made 
with Englishmen to supply them, and the 
boxes of clothing were not opened until 
the ships had sailed, when it was discov- 
ered that much of it was utterly Avorth- 
less — some of the cases contained ladies' 
shoes, and other things equally appropri- 
ate." 

Miss Pelham: " O, let us suppose that 
the dainty young poet could wear a pair 
of the ladies' shoes — who knows but he 
may have had a mantilla and parasol, 
too ! " 

Mr. Winship: "Why, yes; what an al- 
leviation of his sufferings. If he could 
not wear them, he could hang them up, 
and apostrophize them in melodious 
lines." 

Miss Van Eyck: " I think you are 
most unfeeling to ridicule a man in such 
a position. I suppose the poor fellow 
had not even a book to distract his mind 
from his miseries." 

Mrs. Harris: " He seemed to look upon 
his misfortune as an inevitable fate, and 
to adopt it as a sort of Bohemianism. 
Upon his return to Germany, he wrote 
an autobiography." 

Miss Van Eyck: "Was it there you 
found that curious description of the 
uniform of the American soldiers and 
officers? " 

Mrs. Harris: "No; that was in the 
' Briefwechsel, ' where the letter of a 
German officer says that some of the 
American officers, quite in contrast to 
their simple dress, wore large, powdered 
wigs, for which the soldiers felt the 
most profound reverence. But many of 
these German accounts are full of serious 
matter, that will probably be an efficient 
guide through some of the intricacies of 



the Saratoga campaign, as the German 
view of it is quite different from either 
the British or American." 

Judge Van Eyck: " I suppose we have 
that in the Memoirs of Madame Riede- 
sel, and the journals of her husband, 
translated some years ago by Mr. Stone." 

Mrs. Harris: "Yes; that is one of the 
most entertaining accounts of Burgoyne's 
Campaign that can be found. I have 
written a sketch of the Baroness, drawn 
from that book and other sources, which 
I have promised to lend Kate." 

Miss Pelham, rising: " It is time for 
me to go the Clarendon Spring for my 
tonic water, and I shall stop at the book- 
store for a novel. Won't you go, Kate ?" 

Mr. W^inship: "Will you all go to the 
bowling alley, and have a game of ten- 
pins ? " 

Miss Van Eyck: " O, yes ! I want to 
retaliate on father and Mrs. Harris; they 
shall not beat us so badly again." 

They saunter through the broad hall 
and down the front steps of the hotel, 
the ladies raise their sunshades, and 
without further preparation continue 
their walk to the spring. Miss Pelham, 
Miss Van Eyck and Mr. Winship in ad- 
vance, talking with animation upon some 
subject not historical. Mrs. Harris 
and the Judge stray slowly on behind 
them, still interested in the subject 
that has occupied them during the 
morning. 

Judge Van Eyck: "I have read the 
memoir of Madame Riedesel. I was 
charmed with the Baroness; her intelli- 
gence and refinement, as well as her de- 
votion to her husband and children, are 
remarkable. With what vividness and 
skill she pictures the events passing 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



137 



around her, and with what naivete she 
relates the most trifling incidents of her 
own experience ! " 

Mrs. Harris: "Yes; that is the very- 
thing that gives such reality to her ac- 
count of the campaign, and the long 
captivity that followed. By the way, 
Judge, do you not think it was rather 
disgraceful in our Congress to refuse to 
ratify the terms of the convention signed 
at Saratoga? Certainly Burgoyne and 
his officers had reason to feel aggrieved, 
although the English Government bore 
it very quietly. I believe that Washing- 
ton urged upon Congress their obligation 
to confirm the terms of the convention." 

Judge Van Eyck: " Yes, he did; and 
however it might be regretted that Gates' 
weakness, and Burgoyne's firmness had 
fixed the terms as they were, it has seemed 
to me there was no honorable course for 
Congress to pursue but to confirm them. 
Yet we must remember that there were 
many minor points which may have 
weighed with them, and are not appar- 
ent to us. It is said that La Fayette's 
influence prevailed in the matter. He was 
interested for the French Government, 
wishing to prevent the use of Burgoyne's 
army against France, as war was impend- 
ing between that country and England." 

Mrs. Harris: "I remember now hav- 
ing read somewhere that he urged, as a 
precedent for disregarding the articles 
of the convention, the surrender of the 
Duke of Cumberland at Kloster Seven, 
on which occasion the terms of capitu- 
lation were ignored by the English." 

Judge Van Eyck: "Burgoyne himself 
did obtain leave to go back to England, 
although he was unsuccessful in secur- 
ing the return of the army," 



Mrs. Harris: " I always feel a pro- 
found sympathy for him on that return 
trip. Although we cannot say, as the 
poet does of one of the kings of Eng- 
land, that ' he never smiled again,' it is 
known that, even after he was excul- 
pated from censure by Parliament, when 
he enjoyed great social distinction, and 
was flattered and applauded in conse- 
quence of the success of his drama, " The 
Heiress," that ' the shadow of Saratoga 
always rested on his brow.' The buoy- 
ancy and zest of his aspirations were 
destroyed by a stroke of the pen that 
signed his humiliation and General Gates' 
triumph. One thing has occurred to me, 
Judge, as rather remarkable since I have 
read something of the private lives of 
these officers of the invading army. They 
all seem to have been model husbands; 
even Burgoyne, who was considered a 
gay, pleasure-loving dilettante^ treated 
his wife with tender devotion and 
an unlimited confidence and defer- 
ence." 

Judge Van Eyck: " Did he not elope 
with her ? I think she was an Earl's 
daughter." 

Mrs. Harris: " Which proves there was 
a romantic attachment to begin with; 
this ripened into a life-long affection, 
and her family became not only recon- 
ciled to Burgoyne, but were devoted to 
his interests ever afterwards. You will 
remember that Gen. Frazer spoke pa- 
thetically of his wife in his dying mo- 
ments; Major Ackland reciprocated the 
devotion of Lady Ackland, and Gen. 
Riedesel was a veritable lover to the 
Baroness. The young people are wait- 
ing for us; we must win another victory 
over them." 



1,38 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



II. 

It is afternoon. Judge Van Eyck and 
Mr. Winship are enjoying their cigars 
and the New York papers in the gentle- 
men's reading room. The ladies of their 
party have retired to their cottage, in 
the south wing of the great hotel, and 
disposed themselves for an afternoon rest. 
Miss Pelham lies on the bed, turning 
over lazily the pages of her new novel. 
Mrs. Harris, on the sofa in the parlor, is 
lost in one of those short, profound naps 
that assist in preserving the freshness of 
ladies on the shady side of forty. Miss 
Van Eyck has drawn a large easy chair 
to the window; she opens the manuscript 
which Mrs. Harris has given her, and 
reads a sketch of 

THE BARONESS RIEDESEL IN AMERICA 

On the nth of June, 1777, in the har- 
bor of Quebec, a ship, just arrived from 
England, cast anchor. On its deck 
stood the Baroness Riedesel with her 
three young children, Gustava, Fred- 
erika and Caroline ; her faithful maid, 
Lena, who had followed her from Ger- 
many, and another she had hired in 
England. There the Baroness had been 
obliged to remain nearly a year, waiting 
for a suitable transport to Canada; that 
new land, where her thoughts and desires 
were constantly drawing her towards the 
gallant husband who had parted from 
her in grief, and now, she was sure, 
awaited her arrival with anxiety and joy. 
Gazing wistfully towards the shore she 
thought, "scarcely one short hour, and 
his arms will encircle me." 

At this moment the booming of guns 
from all the ships in the harbor, firing a 
salute in honor of her arrival, increased 



her excitement; tears of hope and joy 
streamed from her beautiful blue eyes, 
she clasped the little Caroline more 
closely to her breast, while Gustava and 
Frederika danced about her, wild with 
delight, in anticipation of a release from 
the long confinement of eight weeks on 
board ship. Their demonstrations of 
joy increased, when they saw a boat, 
"containing twelve sailors, dressed in 
white, with silver helmets and green 
sashes," approaching the ship to carry 
them ashore. With it came letters from 
Gen. Riedesel, informing his wife that he 
had been unable to await her arrival at 
Quebec, and had started on the summer 
campaign with General Burgoyne. Here 
was a bitter disappointment, but this 
gentle, resolute woman gave little time 
to unavailing regrets. Only remaining 
in Quebec long enough to dine with the 
wife of General Carleton, and without 
resting from the fatigues of the long 
sea voyage, on the evening of the same 
day the Baroness, with her family, em- 
barked in a small boat and proceeded 
up the St. Lawrence, hoping to overtake 
her husband, and spend at least a few 
hours with him. It was a beautiful 
moonlight night; they were accompanied 
by a splendid band of music. Mingled 
emotions of disappointment and antici- 
pation stirred the sensitive heart of the 
wife and mother as they glided on so 
weirdly over the waters of the broad, 
strange river. The children, wearied with 
the excitement and novelty of the day, 
soon feel asleep. At midnight they were 
awakened, and prepared for a long ride 
across the country. Three light calashes 
were provided for them. 

" I could not," says the Baroness, 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



139 



"bring my heart to trust a single one of 
my children to my women servants; and 
as our calashes were open and very small, 
I bound my second daughter, Frederika, 
fast in one corner; took the youngest, 
little Caroline, on my lap; while my old- 
est, Gustava, as the most discreet, sat 
between my feet on my purse. As I had 
no time to lose, if I would overtake my 
husband, I promised a reward to the 
servants if they would drive very fast, 
and consequently we went as quickly as 
vehicles and horses would allow." She 
rode in this way until the following 
afternoon, when she made the pas- 
sage of the Three Rivers in a light ca- 
noe, made of bark. At one end of this 
frail boat the Baroness sat with her three 
children in her lap, while her servants 
balanced it at the other end. The boat- 
men told her that the slightest movement 
would overturn the canoe. This fright- 
ened little Frederika, who screamed, and 
tried to jump up. The Baroness, there- 
fore, had to hold her firmly while she con- 
tinued to scream with great terror. They 
proceeded in this painful manner until 
they reached the village of Three Rivers. 
At this place the Hessian troops had 
been in winter quarters, and General 
Riedesel had left a house prepared for 
the reception of his family. The distress 
of the Baroness was increased by the 
surrounding manifestations of the affec- 
tionate care and forethought of her ab- 
sent husband, in providing for her com- 
fort. The enthusiastic affection and re- 
spect with which he was spoken of by 
the friends he had left here, at once con- 
soled and afflicted her, since she was told 
that he had been quite sick, and was not 
yet recovered, and that his illness had 



been increased by his solicitude for her 
during the long voyage — rumors having 
reached him of disasters at sea, that he 
feared might have robbed him of his lit- 
tle family. The Grand Vicar of the vil- 
lage, sympathizing with her anxiety to 
join her husband, loaned her a covered 
calash in which she immediately resum- 
ed her journey in pursuit of the advanc- 
ing army. The weather was exceedingly 
stormy, and the road difficult and rug- 
ged, but she still pushed forward with 
impatient eagerness. She says, "this 
vehicle went so rapidly that I could 
scarcely recover my breath, in addition 
to which I was so jostled about (as I was 
constantly obliged to hold my children) 
that I was completely beaten to pieces. 
I was obliged at every post station to 
stretch out my arms and walk around a 
little to render my joints more limber." 
How touching a picture is this ! A deli- 
cate, refined woman, accustomed only to 
the comfort, luxury and shelter of an old 
civilization, in a circle of devoted rela- 
tions and friends, encountering the hard- 
ships of the wilderness — self-reliant, cour- 
ageous, persevering — not for one moment 
forgetting or neglecting the babes who 
are dependent on her tenderness, even 
while her whole soul is absorbed in that 
intensity of wifely love and devotion that 
renders her regardless of fatigue, pain, 
and repeated disappointment. If we are 
moved with enthusiasm in recalling the 
valor and self-forgetfulness of the soldier 
in the service of his country — on the 
wearying march, and amid the carnage of 
the field — may we not be equally stirred 
at a manifestation of heroic endurance 
and self-abnegation in an exercise of the 
most' sublime of human emotions ? The 



.140 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



love that out-strips time, space, obsta- 
cles — that endures, waits, yearns, la- 
bors for the beloved one, and never 
wearies, never flags, but grows, strength- 
ens and expands until lost in the immor- 
tal love of the hereafter ! Is this mere 
high-flown sentiment — are these words 
for romancers and poets ? We need no 
other answer than a glance at the tired, 
eager face of this woman, who only typi- 
fies a class upon whom the world gazes 
with blind eyes. 

A messenger had been dispatched in 
advance to inform General Riedesel of 
the approach of his wife ; he started im- 
mediately to meet her ; unfortunately as 
he advanced upon one road, he passed 
her upon another, and thus by one of 
those unpropitious chances that often set 
united efforts at cross purposes, was the 
union of these anxious hearts still fur- 
ther delayed. Arrived at Chambly, the 
place from which he had started, the 
Baroness was advised to await his re- 
turn. She says, "my children and my 
faithful Rachel kept a constant watch on 
the high road, that they might bring me 
news of my husband's arrival. Finally 
a calash was descried, having a Cana- 
dian in it. I saw from a distance the 
calash stop still ; the Canadian got out, 
came nearer, and folded the children in 
his arms. It was my husband ! As he still 
had the fever, he was clothed (though it 
was summer) in a sort of cassock of 
woolen cloth, bordered with ribbons, and 
to which was attached a variegated fringe 
of blue and red, after the Canadian 
fashion of the country. My joy was be- 
yond all description, but the sick and 
feeble appearance of my husband terri- 
fied me, and a little disheartened me. I 



found both my elder daughters in tears. 
Gustava for joy at again seeing her father, 
and little Frederika because she saw him 
in this plight. For this reason she would 
not go to him at all, but said, " No, no, 
this is not my papa ; my papa is pretty." 
" The very moment, however, that he 
threw off his Canadian coat, she tenderly 
embraced him." How graphically the 
wife describes the emotions of her chil- 
dren — how little she says for herself. '* It 
was my husband ! My joy was beyond 
all description," and again : " We re- 
mained with each other two happy days." 
How inadequate to depict the emotions 
of the heart are all outward expressions ! 
Months, years of deferred hope may find 
their culmination in a few hours of joy ; 
a lifetime of unselfish motives, of persist- 
ent effort, its reward in a few days of 
rest, a few moments of delight. Yet how 
may we give utterance to the fullness of 
joy, the beatitude of culminated hopes ! 

General Riedesel informed his wife 
that she could not acompany the army 
at that time, and that it would be neces- 
sary for her to return to Three Rivers, 
and await the development of events. 
The confidence of an assured love, the 
satisfaction of a mutual appreciation 
may alleviate the hours of separation, 
but the heart rebels, and we grieve with 
the loving wife, who says : "' I was forced, 
to my great sorrow, to go back to Three 
Rivers. I suffered yet more upon wit- 
nessing the departure of the troops 
against the enemy, while I, with my 
children, was obliged, alone and desert- 
ed, to return and live in a strange land, 
among unknown people. Sorrowful, and 
very much cast down, I travelled back. 
What a difference between this journey 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



141 



and that which I had made a little while 
before ! This time I did not move so 
quickly ; for at every post station, which 
removed me further from him I loved, 
my heart was torn open afresh," 

A few weeks were passed by Madame 
Riedesel at the little village of Three 
Rivers, where with discretion and amia- 
bility she adapted herself to the people 
around her, and found the contentment 
that ever follows such efforts. In the 
meantime the British and German forces 
had swept on victoriously past Ticonder- 
oga. Fort Independence, and Skenes- 
borough. Major Ackland had been 
wounded at Hubbardton, and his wife 
was allowed to join him. As soon as 
this permission was granted, General 
Burgoyne, bearing in remembrance his 
own tender solicitude for his lamented 
wife, thoughtfully turned to General 
Riedesel, and said : " Your wife shall 
come too, General ; despatch Captain 
Willoe to escort her at once." 

Captain Willoe soon arrived at Three 
Rivers, when the Baroness and her fam- 
ily once more joyfully embarked in a 
small boat, accompanied by another one 
containing the soldiers, baggage and pro- 
visions. The first night they were obliged 
to land on a small island — the second 
boat, being heavily laden, had fallen far 
behind. The little family were without 
supper and candles or other comforts. 
A deserted hut was found, containing 
some bushes, upon which shawls were 
spread, and the little ones were induced 
to lie down to rest. During the night 
they were frequently disturbed by strange 
sounds and sudden lights, which could 
be seen through the chinks of the cabin. 
At breakfast, which was spread upon a 



stone for a table, Madame Riedesel ask- 
ed the Captain what had caused the 
alarming sights and sounds. He admit- 
ted that he had discovered, when too 
late to make a change, that this was 
Rattlesnake Island, so called because 
a very great number of these reptiles 
infested the place. He had tried by the 
unusual sights and sounds to keep them 
at a distance. 

Upon hearing this, the breakfast was 
hurried, and they left the island as 
quickly as possible, arriving at St. John's 
soon after. Here they took passage in 
larger boats, and had a prosperous and 
beautiful trip through Lake Champlain 
and the transparent waters of Lake 
George. The magnificent scenery was 
a constant source of delight to the culti- 
vated taste and pure mind of the Baron- 
ess, whose happy anticipations were in 
harmony with the joyous spirit of sum- 
mer, that seemed to vivify this lovely re- 
gion with the breath of a living beauty. 
As the boat drifted near the shores of 
the picture-like islands, the delicate 
colors of the varied wild flowers, and the 
full-throated carol of the fearless birds, 
entranced her; and again, in the midst 
of the broad lake, the grandeur of the 
primitive forests, the largeness of vision 
granted by the rarified atmosphere, the 
rounded, verdant mountains, and the 
shadowed valleys inspired a depth of 
thought and gratitude that subdued the 
impatient eagerness of all purely human 
affections. 

The little family traveled on pleas- 
antly, the children reflecting the happi- 
ness of the mother; they soon reached 
Fort Edward, where Burgoyne 's army 
was then encamped. They were re- 



142 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



ceived with unbounded delight by Gen- 
eral Riedesel, and warmly welcomed by 
the commanding officers. Immediately 
after this, communication was cut off 
with Canada, and the Baroness congrat- 
ulated herself greatly on having been 
able to join her husband, as otherwise 
she would have been separated from him 
during all the years of his captivity. 
Upon her arrival, a room was assigned 
her at headquarters in the Red House; 
"and here," says the Baroness, "I had 
the joy of spending three happy weeks 
in the greatest tranquility. We had a 
very pleasant life. The surrounding 
country was magnificent; and we were 
encircled by the encampments of the 
English and German troops. The weath- 
er was beautiful, and we often took our 
meals under the trees." She and her 
children endeared themselves greatly to 
all the military household. This inter- 
est continued through the hardships of 
the following weeks; and many brave 
men felt their hearts stirred with sympa- 
thy and tenderness towards these gentle 
beings, who seemed like lovely flowers 
tossed hither and thither on the tempest- 
uous waves of war. 

On the nth of September, the army 
moved slowly forward over an obstructed 
pathway, and thus were the little family 
often weary and hungry with waiting 
during the day, and exhausted and sleepy 
long before they could stop at night. 
Madame Riedesel says: "We made only 
small day's marches, and were very often 
sick; yet always contented at being al- 
lowed to follow. I had still the satisfac- 
tion of daily seeing my husband. In the 
beginning all went well. We cherished 
the sweet hope of a sure victory, and of 



coming into the 'promised land;' and 
when we passed the Hudson river, and 
General Burgoyne said, ' The English 
never lose ground,' our spirits were 
greatly exhilarated." 

After the battle of the 19th of Sep- 
tember, and while the British were en- 
camped near Freeman's Farm, Madame 
Riedesel, with her family, occupied Tay- 
lor's house, a mile or two north of the 
encampment. General Riedesel 's head- 
quarters were a long ride from Taylor's. 
Madame Riedesel daily visited the camp, 
and sometimes took breakfast or dinner 
with her husband, but more frequently 
he came, accompanied by other officers, 
to dine with her. Colonel Williams of 
the artillery, noticing the fatigue to which 
these visits subjected General Riedesel 
and his wife, offered to build a block- 
house for her near the camp. She gladly 
accepted his offer. It was built of heavy 
logs, and would form a comfortable shel- 
ter from the autumn chilliness. General 
Riedesel was still suffering from the ef- 
fects of fever, and the Baroness says: "I 
was to remove into it the following day 
and was the more rejoiced at it as the 
nights were already damp and cold, and 
my husband could live in it with me, as 
he then would be near the camp. Sud- 
denly, however, on the 7th of October, 
my husband, with the whole general staff, 
decamped. Our misfortunes may be said 
to date from this moment. I had just 
sat down with my husband at his quar- 
ters to breakfast. General Frazer, and 
I believe Generals Burgoyne and Phil- 
lips, were to have dined with me on the 
same day. I observed considerable move- 
ment among the troops. On my way 
homeward, I met many savages in their 




o 



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W 

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CL, 
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1 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



143 



war dress, armed with guns — they cried 
out 'War! war! ' This completely over- 
whelmed me, and I had scarcely got back 
to my quarters, when I heard skirmish- 
ing and firing, which by degrees became 
constantly heavier, until finally the noises 
were frightful. It was a terrible cannon- 
ade, and I was more dead than alive. 
About three o'clock in the afternoon, in 
place of the guests who were to have 
dined with me, they brought to me, upon 
a litter, poor General Frazer (one of my 
expected guests), mortally wounded. Our 
dining table, which was already spread, 
was taken away, and in its place they 
fixed up a bed for the General. I sat in 
a comer of the room, trembling and 
quaking, lest my husband should be 
brought to me in the same manner. 
Prayers were read to General Frazer, af- 
ter which he sent a message to General 
Burgoyne, begging that he would have 
him buried in the great redoubt on the 
hill. 

" I knew not which way to turn, the 
whole entry and other rooms were filled 
with sick. Finally, towards evening, I 
saw my husband coming, upon which I 
forgot all my sufferings, and thanked 
God that he had been spared to me. He 
ate in great haste with me and his adju- 
tant, behind the house. We had been 
told we had gained an advantage over 
the enemy, but the sorrowful and down- 
cast faces which I beheld bore witness 
to the contrary; and before my husband 
went away again, he drew me to one side, 
and said that things might go very badly, 
and I must keep myself in constant read- 
iness for departure, but to give no one 
the least inkling of what I was doing. 
I, therefore, pretended that I wanted to 



move into my new house the next morn- 
ing, and had everything packed up. 

" My Lady Ackland occupied a tent 
not far from our house. In this she 
slept, but during the day was in the 
camp. Suddenly one came to tell her 
that her husband was mortally wounded, 
and had been taken prisoner. At this 
she became very wretched, for she loved 
him very much. She was the loveliest 
of women. I spent the night in this 
manner ; at one time comforting her 
and at another looking after my children, 
whom I had put to bed. General Frazer 
and all the other gentlemen were in my 
room, and I was constantly afraid that 
my children would wake up and cry, and 
thus disturb the poor dying man, who 
often sent to beg my pardon for making 
me so much trouble. At eight o'clock 
in the morning he expired. * * About 
four o'clock in the afternoon, I saw the 
new house which had been built for me in 
flames; the enemy, therefore, were not 
far from us." 

When describing General Frazer's fu- 
neral, she says: " Many cannon balls also 
flew not far from me, but I had my eyes 
fixed upon the hill, where I distinctly 
saw my husband in the midst of the en- 
emy's fire, and, therefore, I could not 
think of my own danger," 

Burgoyne, after describing the sol- 
emnity of this scene, and the steadiness 
of the officiating elergyman who was 
" frequently covered with dust which the 
shot threw up on all sides of him," thus 
apostrophises his friend : " To the can- 
vas, and to the faithful page of a more 
important historian, gallant friend, I 
consign thy memory ! There may thy 
talents, thy manly virtues, their progress, 



144 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



and their period, find due distinction ; 
and long may they survive, long after the 
frail record of my pen shall be forgot- 
ten ! " 

Immediately after the funeral a retreat 
was ordered. Madame Riedesel entered 
her calash with her children and maids, 
and traveled the whole night in a pour- 
ing rain. The strictest silence was en- 
joined lest the enemy should discover the 
retreat. Little Frederika had became so 
nervous and frightened by the painful 
events of the day, that her tears and 
screams could not be restrained, and her 
mother was obliged to hold a pocket 
handkerchief over her mouth to prevent 
her cries from being heard. At six 
o'clock in the morning a halt was made. 
General Riedesel came up, and being 
greatly exhausted, dismounted from his 
horse, and sat in the calash, soon falling 
asleep with his head on his wife's shoul- 
der. His little daughter now became 
very docile and quiet, reassured by the 
presence of her father, whom she loved 
dearly ; she could easily understand how 
he would be disturbed, though rebellious 
against the military order for silence. 
The drenching rain continued through 
this whole day, which was spent without 
shelter. Several officers brought Mad- 
ame Riedesel their watches, rings and 
purses, requesting her to take care of 
them. She promised to do so, and after- 
wards found them a source of much 
anxiety to her. The Baroness says that 
during this halt, one of her maids 
" did nothing, cursed her situation, and 
tore out her hair. I entreated her," she 
continues, " to compose herself, or else 
she would be taken for a savage. Upon 
this she became still more frantic, and 



tore her bonnet off her head, letting her 
hair hang down over her face, and said : 
*' You talk well ! You have your hus- 
band ! But we having nothing to look 
forward to, but dying miserably on the 
one hand, or losing all we possess on the 
other!" To quiet her, I promised to 
make good all her losses. My good 
Lena, though much frightened, said 
nothing." 

At night they moved on about half an 
hour's march, and camped at old Sara- 
toga, Here a good fire was built, the 
children were wanned, wrapped in dry 
clothing, and laid upon some straw near 
the fire to sleep. While sitting near 
them, distressed and exhausted, General 
Phillips came up, and she asked him why 
the retreat was not continued. " Poor 
woman," answered he, " I am amazed at 
you ; completely wet through, have you 
still the courage to wish to go further in 
this weather!" On the next morning 
the Baroness says : " The greatest mis- 
ery and utmost disorder prevailed in the 
army. The commissaries had forgotten 
to distribute provisions. More than 
thirty officers came to me who could en- 
dure the pangs of hunger no longer. I 
had coffee and tea made for them, and 
divided among them all the provisions 
with which my carriage was filled. We 
had a cook, who, although an arrant 
knave, was fruitful in expedients, and 
often in the night would steal from the 
country people, sheep, poultry, and pigs, 
which he afterwards sold to us for a high 
price — a circumstance that we only learn- 
ed a long time afterward." 

In the afternoon cannonading was 
heard, and everything was in confusion. 
The Baroness with her family hurried 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



H5 



into the calash, and drove to a house 
near by. As she arrived at the door she 
saw some men at a distance leveling 
their guns towards this spot ; she threw 
her children into the bottom of the cal- 
ash, and herself over them ; at the same 
moment a soldier just behind her had 
his arm shattered by one of these balls. 
She hurriedly entered the house which 
the Americans supposed to be occupied 
by the Generals ; a heavy fire was di- 
rected towards it. Madame Riedesel 
and her family took refuge in the cellar. 
Here, during the whole night, she sat 
upon the floor, while the terrified child- 
ren hid their heads in her lap. The 
sound of cannon balls crashing through 
the walls of the house above, the cries 
of the children, the stench of the sick 
and wounded who had crowded in, and 
above all, the uncertainty of her hus- 
band's fate, contributed to the suffering 
and anguish of this horrible night. 
" Yet in this terrible den of affliction, 
this extraordinary woman preserved her 
courage and compassion." When the 
morning came, she prevailed upon all to 
leave the cellar, until she could have it 
cleaned and fumigated ; in the meantime 
she placed the little girls under the cel- 
lar stairs, as she feared to trust them a 
moment from her presence. 

When the cellar was cleaned, and the 
door opened for the women and the 
wounded to enter, a great rush forward 
was made by a crowd of frightened and 
desperate soldiers who had fled from the 
camp, and now sought a place of safety. 
The Baroness and her children were in 
danger of being crushed and overwhelm- 
ed ; she, however, with great resolution 



and calmness, stood in the doorway, and 
spreading out her arms, firmly com- 
manded the men to stand back. They 
shrank away ashamed. The helpless 
ones were then brought in. 

Major Harnage, who was wounded, 
with his wife, and Mrs. Reynell, whose 
husband had been killed the day before, 
curtained off a corner of the cellar, and 
wished to arrange another corner for the 
Baroness. She preferred to stay near the 
door, where she thought she could more 
readily save her children in case of fire, 
and where she could the more easily slip 
out during the night to see if the camp 
fires were still burning. She was in con- 
stant fear that the army would make a 
hasty retreat, and leave her behind ; she 
had a great dread of falling into the hands 
of the Americans. She lived in this 
dreadful way for six days, and during 
this time " acted the part of an angel of 
comfort and help to the sufferers around 
her. She was ready to perform every 
friendly service, even those from which 
the tender mind of woman will recoil. 
By her energy she restored order from 
chaos, and the soldiers obeyed her more 
readily than their commanding officers." 

General Riedesel's horse was kept con- 
stantly saddled for her to mount in case 
of a sudden retreat. Three of the 
wounded officers, who were resolved not 
to be left as prisoners, swore to the Bar- 
oness that in case of a retreat, they each 
would take one of her children before 
him on his horse, and assist her in her 
flight. They were very fond of the little 
girls, and often endeavored to quiet their 
fears. One of the officers could bleat 
like a calf, and bellow like a cow. When 



146 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



Frederika would wake up in the night 
and cry, he often mimicked these ani- 
mals, when she would laugh heartily, and 
thus reassured, fall asleep again. 

They suffered greatly for water, as the 
Americans would not allow the British to 
approach the river, but picked off with 
their well aimed rifles every man who at- 
tempted it. A soldier's wife was found, 
however, who undertook this service, 
and the Baroness was much impressed 
by the conduct of the Americans in leav- 
ing her unmolested on account of her 
sex. 

On the 17th of October the army capit- 
ulated. 

After the generals of the conquered 
army had been received by General 
Gates, a message was sent to the Baron- 
ess, asking her to join her husband in the 
American camp. Once more she entered 
the calash that had carried her so many 
weary miles. Trembling and anxious at 
the thought of going among strange peo- 
ple in so trying a position, she drove up 
to the headquarters of the American 
General. " Here," says she, " a noble 
looking man approached us and took the 
children out of the wagon, embraced and 
kissed them, and then with tears in his 
eyes, helped me also to alight. 'You 
tremble,' said he; 'fear nothing.' ' No,' 
replied I, ' for you are so kind, and have 
been so tender toward my children, that 
it has inspired me with courage.' " He 
was General Philip Schuyler. " He then 
led her to the tent of General Gates, 
where they found Generals Phillips and 
Burgoyne, and the latter said to her : 
"You may now dismiss all your appre- 
hensions, for your sufferings are at an 
end." General Schuyler then took her 



and her children to his own tent, where 
he entertained them with considerate 
hospitality. In the evening he sent an 
officer to accompany her to Albany. 
She was kindly received at his house by 
Mrs. Schuyler and her daughters, where 
she remained three days. Upon leaving 
this hospitable mansion, the Baroness 
Riedesel, with her husband and children, 
entered upon the vicissitudes and trials 
of their long captivity. They traveled 
with the captured army by land to Cam- 
bridge, Massachusetts, where they re- 
mained several months, expecting from 
time to time to embark for England ; 
when Congress finally refused to ratify 
the convention of Saratoga, they jour- 
neyed again by land to the interior of 
Virginia, where they put up temporary 
houses, made gardens, and domesticated 
themselves as they could in their trying 
position. Before starting for Virginia, 
Madame Riedesel gives the following ac- 
count of the preservation of the German 
flags : " Now I was forced to consider 
how I should safely carry the colors of 
our German regiments still further, as 
we had made the Americans at Saratoga 
belive that they were burnt up — a cir- 
cumstance which they at first took in bad 
part, though afterwards they tacitly over- 
looked it. But it was only the staves 
that had been burned, the colors having 
been thus far concealed. Now my hus- 
band confided to me this secret, and en- 
trusted me with their still further con- 
cealment. I, therefore, shut myself in 
with a right honorable tailor, who helped 
me make a mattress in which we sewed 
every one of them. Captain O'Connell, 
under pretence of some errand, was sent 
to New York, and passed the mattress 




u 

m 
o 

U 

O 

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o 
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A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



147 



off as his bed. He sent it to Halifax, 
where we again found it on our passage 
from New York to Canada, and where — 
in order to v/ard off all suspicion in case 
our ship should be taken — I transferred 
it into my cabin, and slept during the 
whole of the remaining voyage to Can- 
ada upon these honorable badges." 

Upon Madame Riedesel's return to 
Europe, and to Brunswick, she says: " I 
found our entire family mansion in the 
same order as I had left it on my depart- 
ure to America. * * About a week af- 
terwards, I had the great satisfaction of 
seeing my husband, with his own troops, 
pass through the city. Yes, those very 
streets in which, eight and a half years 
before, I had lost my joy and happiness, 
were the ones where I now saw this beau- 
tiful and soul-stirring spectacle. It is 
beyond my power to describe my emo- 
tions on beholding my beloved, my up- 
right husband, who the whole time had 
lived solely for his duty, and who had 
been so unwearied in helping and assist- 
ing, as far as possible, those who had 
been entrusted to him, standing, with 
tears of joy in his eyes, in the midst of 
his soldiers." 

Thus we find this loving, this devoted 
wife, bearing the test of time and change, 
yet preserving the fervor, the freshness, 
and the enthusiasm of her love — an en- 
during crown of youth and beauty to 
ennoble and adorn the completeness of 
her womanhood. 

Her daughter, the impetuous little 
Frederika, became one of the celebrated 
women of her day. She married the 
Count Reden, and was also on warm 
terms of friendship with Humboldt, Ba- 
ron Stein, and many distinguished men, 



for whom her house was a favorite resort. 
After her death, Frederick William, King 
of Prussia, caused a beautiful monument 
to be erected to her memory. 



Kate Van Eyck drops the manuscript 
in her lap, her hands lie listlessly on the 
arms of the large chair, and she gazes 
dreamily out of the window. 

Mrs. Harris: " Well, Kate, how do you 
like my heroine? " 

Miss Van Eyck: " She is unreal. Do 
you think there is such devotion as her's 
in real life? I never saw it." 

Mrs. Harris: "You must believe with- 
out seeing, Kate. Romance is simply 
real life at a distance." 

Miss Van Eyck: " What do you mean?" 

Mrs. Harris: "That we are living a 
romance, as the people of every age and 
every time have been. One hundred 
years hence, we will be seen through a 
misty atmosphere of sentiment and ex- 
aggeration that will idealize us and our 
time to the people of that day." 

Miss Pelham, coming from the back 
room : " Do lay history aside now, 
and let us discuss the dinner we are to 
have at the lake to-morrow. Did you 
hear, Mrs. Harris, that Colonel Shelby is 
expected from West Point this evening? " 

Mrs. Harris: "Yes. He will be an 
agreeable addition to our party." 

The ladies are now busy with the af- 
fairs of the toilet, and soon pass out to 
the piazzas, fresh, composed and ele- 
gant, as cultivated women of ample 
means and honorable connections should 
be, near the close of a pleasant day, whose 
remaining hours will be devoted to ra- 
tional pleasures. 

Colonel Shelby arrives, and during the 



148 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



evening it is arranged that they will all 
enjoy a trout dinner at the Lake House 
on the following afternoon. Judge Van 
Eyck gives orders to his coachman to go 
early in the morning, and order the din- 
ner, to insure a good supply of the deli- 
cacies peculiar to the place. 



III. 

At three o'clock in the afternoon, the 
landau, buggy and saddle horses carry 
our pleasure seekers from the "United 
States" past Congress Hall and the 
Grand Union. They sweep around the 
curve, guarded by the bronze sentinel of 
the " 77th Volunteers," who stands ever 
watchful on his tall granite pedestal, and 
on past the great spring and the race- 
course, over the smooth, broad road that 
has been gradually widened and leveled, 
and lifted from the rugged, marshy path 
of the wilderness to the well-watered, 
evenly graded avenue, with its continu- 
ous sidewalk and tempting resting places. 
Colonel Shelby, a tall Virginian, rides 
with the easy grace of a Southerner and 
the precision of a West Point graduate, 
while Miss Van Eyck manages her rest- 
less horse Guido with equal confidence 
and skill. Ascending the last hill, they 
catch a glimpse of the romantic little 
Lake Lonely, once called Owl Ditch — a 
name equally significant, though less me- 
lodious. Quickening their speed as they 
reach the summit, they suddenly rein in 
their horses among the cluster of bril- 
liant equipages at the Lake House. The 
whole party now alight, and stand on the 
lawn of the hill side, enjoying the beau- 
tiful view of Saratoga Lake, which lies 
stretched at their feet. 



Miss Pelham: "How placid the lake 
is, and what a beautiful feature Snake 
Hill is in this view. I wonder it should 
have received such a name! " 

Judge Van Eyck: " It was probably 
suggested by the number of rattlesnakes 
found there; they were once exceedingly 
numerous in all this region. I like such 
names — anything that indicates a fact or 
idea, absolutely connected with the place 
itself, is preferable to an affectation that 
applies classical or historical names to 
our new places." 

Mrs. Harris: " There is an interesting 
Indian legend associated with Snake Hill. 
I will write it out for you some time, 
Kate." 

While Mrs. Harris is speaking the dark- 
faced, white-aproned waiter announces 
dinner. They all repair to the shade<^ 
dining room, where, over a luxurious re« 
past, they discuss trout and bass; the 
Adirondacks and the Thousand Islands, 
with the comparative pleasures and pen- 
alties of each — hunting, fishing and camp- 
ing. 

Miss Van Eyck: "Father, did you not 
tell me that General Schuyler of the Rev- 
olution was a famous hunter? " 

Judge Van Eyck: " Yes; that was, per- 
haps, one reason why he had such influ- 
ence with the Indians; there was not 
another in the province, except the John- 
sons of " Johnson Hall," who could man- 
age them so well. General Schuyler was 
appointed Indian Commissioner in 1775, 
and held that position until long after the 
Revolution. He was constantly called 
upon by both Congress and the State 
Government to conciliate or control the 
restless and influential tribes of the Six 
Nations. He was a capital shot and a 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



149 



fine horseman, which seem to me to be 
incontestable proofs of his personal cour- 
age, which some prejudiced persons have 
called in question. Do you think, Col- 
onel Shelby, that a man can handle a gun 
with ease and accuracy during a long life, 
and be always at home on a horse 
of high metal, and yet lack physical 
courage, especially if he has the princi- 
ples and instincts of a gentleman, as all 
admit that General Schuyler had?' 

Colonel Shelby, laughingly "Well, 
Judge, I believe General Gates was a 
high-toned gentleman in a certain sense, 
yet he is said to have been an arrant 
coward. He continually shirked danger, 
and at Camden ran like a fox when the 
hounds are in pursuit. I think, too, he 
was a good horseman." 

Mr Winship, warmly: " You are not 
justified in making such sweeping asser- 
tions in regard to General Gates. Un- 
fortunately, by the force of circumstances, 
he became the rival of General Schuyler, 
who always showed a partizan spirit, and, 
like all narrow minded men, could only 
lead a clique. General Gates saved the 
campaign of '77 at the North, and he 
cannot be stripped of his laurels. If he 
met with disasters at the South after- 
ward, it is no more than other command- 
ers have suffered, whose characters have 
not been questioned. He had no op- 
portunity to retrieve himself after that 
defeat at Camden, but was immediately 
stripped of his command, which, you 
will remember, was given to General 
Greene." 

Colonel Shelby: "I beg your pardon, 
sir; I really have no feeling in this mat- 
ter, and have expressed a stronger 
opinion than I entertain. I was but 



quoting the statements of a leading New 
Yorker, who is familiar with these dis^ 
puted points, and should know more 
about it than I do." 

Judge Van Eyck: " You were quite right, 
Colonel, it requires little mvestigation to 
learn that General Gates deserved all the 
censure he has received, and more. He 
was an infamous intriguer against Gen- 
eral Washington, as well as against Gen- 
eral Schuyler. His success at Saratoga 
brought into full blossom the seeds of 
his presumptuous aspirations. He made 
no report of the surrender there to the 
Commander-in-Chief. He sent it di- 
rectly, and only, to Congress by Wilkin- 
son, who was so long in delivering it that 
when Congress, overflowing with grati- 
tude for his good tidings, voted him a 
sword, a shrewd Scotchman observed: 
* I think ye'll better gie the lad a pair of 
spurs.' You know General Gates' con- 
nection with the 'Conway Cabal," do 
you not? If he was not its master spirit, 
he at least labored to gain the greatest 
possible advantage from its success. He 
had succeeded in supplanting Schuyler; 
he had robbed him of his ripening fame; 
had calumniated and degraded him, yet 
he considered this but a stepping stone 
to the main object of his ambition — the 
chief command of the whole army. The 
extent of his efforts and the support he 
received in Congress has never been made 
known, and never will be. The sessions 
of Congress were held with closed doors; 
the after success and continued popular- 
ity of Washington induced the members, 
who had opposed him and favored Gates 
to be very close-mouthed, while their 
colleagues of the other side were gener- 
ous, and said nothing. It is well known 



I50 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



that Gates was constantly hanging about 
the doors of Congress; and you know, 
Colonel, that to this day the choice places 
are often secured by the officers who fre- 
quent the capitol, keep a sharp lookout 
for their own interests, and stimulate the 
ardor of their friends — human nature is 
ever the same. 

" It was in the restless desire to elevate 
Gates that John Adams ridiculed the 
* Fabian ' policy of Washington ; the 
promptings of Gates, then in consulta- 
tion with Congressional friends, pushed 
on the bitter invectives against the un- 
fortunate but faithful Generals of the 
North, when it was said in Congress: 
' We must shoot a General before we can 
win a victory.' In one of the most try- 
ing hours of Washington's life, when he 
was giving orders for the famous passage 
of the Delaware, Gates failed him as 
usual, and made off to Baltimore, where 
Congress was then in session; and, ac- 
cording to Wilkinson, he spent the time 
on his journey criticizing Washington's 
plan for the winter campaign, and con- 
structing one of his own, that, he said, 
it was his intention to propose to Con- 
gress, What sort of conduct was this 
for a military man, to leave the fighting 
behind him, and run after politicians; to 
criticize where he should have obeyed? 
Upon my word, I think it was a worse 
' run ' than the one at Camden, inas- 
much as fear is a more inspiriting mo- 
tive than deliberate selfishness." 

Mr. Winship : " You have brought a 
miscellaneous set of charges against 
General Gates, Judge, each of which 
would require a long explanation, but 
you must admit that he had some just 



cause of complaint to Congress, and I 
suppose he had a right to present his 
grievances and try to obtain their re- 
dress. If Schuyler was superseded by 
him, was he not also superseded time and 
again. If he did not consider General 
Washington infallible, according to your 
own account, there were many who 
agreed with him, and surely some undue 
elation might be pardoned after such a 
triumph as that of Saratoga. The flat- 
tery and adulation he received in conse- 
quence of that might naturally have sug- 
gested the ambition you attribute to him, 
if there was already dissatisfaction with 
the chief of the army. 

" After the Conway difficulty had been 
settled, all accounts agree in declaring 
that General Gates conducted himself 
with great dignity and propriety — as he 
did, in fact, on many trying occasions. 
Always in his intercourse with the Brit- 
ish, and with the people of the country 
where his army was located, from time 
to time, he displayed wisdom and moder- 
ation. He was uncompromising in his 
adherence to the great principles of the 
revolution, and the respect accorded him 
by foreigners, who judged dispassionately 
of the men of those times, should save 
him from the petty attacks of partizan 
feeling." 

Mrs. Harris : " Mr. Winship, how do 
you account for the singular conduct of 
General Gates in delaying, after the sur- 
render of Saratoga, to reinforce Wash- 
ington with the recruits that had been 
detached from the main army ? Gene- 
ral Morgan obtained permission from 
Gates to return in advance of the other 
division." 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



151 



Mr. Winship : " General Gates had 
good reason for believing that a most 
advantageous movement could be made 
in this State " 

Miss Pelham, interrupting : " Was 
not Morgan one of the picturesque 
heroes — a sort of bandit ? Bryant has 
written some verses about him, 'Our 
band is few, but true and tried.' " 

Mrs. Harris, smiling : '* The verses 
relate to Marion and his men. Morgan 
urged upon Gates the serious need of the 
commander-in-chief for the services of 
his corps, knowing as he did, that Wash- 
ington had organized it for special pur- 
poses connected with his immediate com- 
mand, and a reluctant consent was ob- 
tained from Gates to allow its departure 
in advance of the other regiments. 
Washington had written that the want 
of these troops from the North, embar- 
rassed all his measures. He finally sent 
Colonel Hamilton to hasten them, and 
after great delay and hesitation on the 
part of Gates, Hamilton wrote to Wash- 
ington that he doubted whether he would 
have had a man from the northern army 
if they could have been kept with any 
decency, yet Governor Clinton had urged 
Gates to forward the troops to Washing- 
ton's army, telling him that 'upon its 
success every thing worth regarding de- 
pended.' This, you will remember, 
Judge, was just before the terrible winter 
at Valley Forge, and Washington must 
have felt that his misfortunes during the 
fall were owing in a large measure to the 
sacrifice he had made in sending the con- 
tinental regiments to assist Gates, who 
delayed them so unreasonably. Yet, 
Washington declared at that time that, 



if the cause were advanced, he cared not 
in what quarter it happened.' " 

Judge Van Eyck : " The delay of 
Gates is similar to that of Lee, just after 
the fall of Fort Washington ; he was then 
the hero of the hour, as Gates was at this 
time. The requests, entreaties and com- 
mands of Washington were alike disre- 
garded by Lee, who held on to the troops, 
thinking he could seize upon a favorable 
opportunity to strike a blow at the British 
in New York City, and thus raise himself 
over his superior. The same desires 
and the same schemes instigated Gates ; 
he cherished a hope that he and Put- 
nam could drive Sir Henry Clinton out 
of New York City — thus a brilliant dash, 
that would bring personal eclaty filled the 
minds of these two men who had little 
conception of the larger schemes and 
more elaborate end toward which Wash- 
ington was patiently toiling. The head 
of each had grown light with a tempo- 
rary triumph ; it requires the exercise of 
greater qualities for a man to preserve 
his equilibrium upon the summit of a 
great success, than to rise above the 
depression of a disastrous failure." 

Mrs. Harris : " I thought General 
Gates was planning a winter campaign 
into Canada about that time." 

Judge Van Eyck : " That was later, 
during the winter, when he was head of 
the board of war. Do you remember 
how they had La Fayette, not then twenty- 
one years old, appointed commander of 
this expedition, which was a mere shadow, 
for they never collected either troops or 
stores for it, but sent La Fayette and De 
Kalb with a retinue of officers to Albany. 
The poor young marquis wrote most pa- 



152 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



ehetically to Washington, complaining of 
the ludicrous position in which he was 
placed, and which he declared would 
make him the laughing stock of Europe. 
The scheme was found to be impracti- 
cable, and as usual, Congress had to re- 
turn to the quiet, far-sighted methods 
advised by Washington." 

Mr. Winship : " Judge, you travel 
over a great deal of ground in making 
out your case against General Gates, but 
some how you have not touched the im- 
portant point as between Gates and 
Schuyler. Was it not a wise decision 
that gave Gates the command of the 
northern army before the battle of Sara- 
toga ? Why, Burgoyne had already run 
Schuyler nearly into Albany. He was at 
Van Shaick's Island, where he could not 
possibly have maintained himself ; the 
British could have crossed the Mohawk 
above him. In fact, I think it was by 
the route crossing those ferries that Gene- 
ral Phillips advised Burgoyne to ad- 
vance from Lake George. Some persons 
contend that Burgoyne's failure to follow 
this advance was the cause of his dis- 
asters." 

Judge Van Eyck : " You are mis- 
taken, Mr. Winship, about the strength 
of the position at the mouth of the Mo- 
hawk, and you forget that General Schuy- 
ler retained his headquarters at Still- 
water, and evidently intended to advance 
his whole army as soon as it was in a 
condition to meet the enemy. It would 
have been sheer madness to encounter 
such an army as Burgoyne's with the 
handful of militia Schuyler then had, 
and with his scarcity of arms and ammu- 
nition. Gates is excused six weeks later 
for not following up the battle of the 19th 



of September, because he was short of 
ammunition. Schuyler, while still at 
Fort Edward, had ordered the window 
leads to be taken from all the houses in 
Albany, and melted into balls, but it re- 
quired time to carry out this order. 
Gates reaped the benefit of it, and many 
others. When Schuyler was at Van 
Schaick's Island, it may be said that he 
had neither men, guns, or lead. The 
very desperation of his condition, and 
the efforts he made to remedy it reacted 
in lifting Gates over his shoulders." 

Mr. Winship : " But Schuyler was 
responsible for the bad condition of 
things ; why had he not collected the 
militia, prepared proper equipments, and 
placed himself in a secure position before 
this ? " 

Judge Van Eyck: " Gates was the man 
who should have done that, if it could 
have been done, which I doubt. He was 
in command of the Northern Depart- 
ment during the spring, when arrange- 
ments should have been perfected for the 
summer campaign. The lesson of years, 
the experience of every war in this coun- 
try, proved that the defenses of the Hud- 
son, with those of Lakes Champlain and 
George, would be the first objects of at- 
tack. During the previous winter, Gen- 
eral Schuyler's orders to his officers show 
the activity of his preparations for the 
coming campaign; and just as these orders 
might have become effective by the com- 
bination and direction they would receive 
from the controlling mind that had con- 
ceived them, their force was dissipated 
and destroyed by a change of command- 
ers, caused by the restless ambition of 
Gates, then at Ticonderoga. Thus were 
the affairs of the department in great 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



153 



confusion at the most important moment, 
for when Schuyler returned to the com- 
mand in June, Burgoyne was already 
prepared for his advance, Avhich was 
made with great rapidity in the begin- 
ning." 

Colonel Shelby: " I think there is too 
much importance attached to the capa- 
bilities and actions of the commanders 
of the American army in this campaign. 
We are apt to forget the real condition of 
affairs that no immediate skill could 
remedy. The militia every where were 
reluctant to turn out, unless their own 
neighborhood was in danger, especially 
at a season when their crops were to be 
planted. The Continental army was not 
only small, but undisciplined; it could 
scarcely be said to have an organization 
until some months later, when Steuben 
began his system of training. The con- 
ception of a Nation to be established or 
defended had but a vague hold on the 
minds of the people. It was only the 
strong stimulus of fear, indignation or 
success, such as it was the good luck of 
General Gates to strike upon — caused 
then by the absolute invasion of peace- 
ful homes, the cruel murder of Jane 
McCrea, and the victory of Bennington 
— ^that could inspire the enthusiasm nec- 
essary to draw an army together, and 
push it to victory. And when such an 
army was collected, it became neces- 
sary to put it into immediate action, or it 
soon fell to pieces. It was this propen- 
sity to dissolve, perceptible to the quick 
eye of Arnold, that led him to write to 
Gates, even when he sat sullenly in camp 
without a command, saying that he felt 
in honor bound to disclose to him the 
restless impatience of his troops, who 



were threatening to leave the camp in large 
numbers, if they were not soon led into 
some active service." 

Mr. Winship: "Gates was only using 
a necessary precaution at that time, for 
he found great difficulty in obtaining in- 
formation of Burgoyne's movements, and 
he had but just begun the fortifications 
at Bemis' Heights." 

Colonel Shelby: "Yes; I remember 
that this uncertainty about Burgoyne's 
whereabouts is mentioned by Wilkinson 
in his memoirs. In his usual style, Wil- 
kinson makes himself the hero of a 
reconnoissance made by a detachment of 
Morgan's corps. The truth is that Bur- 
goyne's Indians had been too numerous 
and too shrewd for all the scouts sent 
out by Gates, who were either captured 
or deceived. It was finally determined 
that Morgan should select one of the 
most courageous and adroit of his offi- 
cers, who would advance as near as pos- 
sible to Burgoyne's camp, and obtain 
the necessary information, The duty 
was assigned to Lieutenant Hardin, who 
conducted it with skill and success. In 
Wilkinson's narration of this expedition, 
he pays a fine tribute to Hardin's ser- 
vices later in the war, while complacently 
putting him in the background on this 
occasion." 

Miss Van Eyck: " Father, is he the Wil- 
kinson who says that Arnold was not on 
the battle field at Saratoga on the day 
of the first fight, and will give him no 
credit for the second battle? " 

Judge Van Eyck: "Well, Kate, I be- 
lieve the ladies — all ladies — are pleased, 
as you seem to be, with Arnold's crazy 
capers. He may have done some good 
service at Saratoga, but after all he was 



154 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



a reckless, headstrong scoundrel, I 
don't like like to find young people cher- 
ishing any sentimental regard for him." 

Mr. Winship: " It is a question, I think, 
when a man yields to a great temptation 
and commits an ignominious act, whether 
this should throw discredit on his former 
conduct." 

Judge Van Eyck: " I do not think it 
should. And I am sure that Arnold, in urg- 
ing upon Gates the necessity of meeting 
Burgoyne on the 19th of September, was 
actuated by the most honorable motives, 
and that his judgment was correct ; it is 
probable, too, that if Burgoyne had not 
been attacked as he was, that he would 
have driven Gates back to Albany, or 
further." 

The ladies of the party now excused 
themselves, and wandered down to the 
lake shore. The gentlemen disposing 
themselves comfortably, and lighting 
their cigars, continued the conversation. 
Colonel Shelby: "Do you know it is 
frequently said now that neither of the 
battles of Saratoga were necessary? I do 
not know, Judge, whether you belong to 
the party that claims General Schuyler 
had ' bagged the game ' before General 
Gates arrived in camp. They say that 
Burgoyne's fate was inevitable from the 
time that Stark annihilated the German 
regiments at Bennington, Schuyler hav- 
ing previously stripped the country of 
provisions so completely as to paralyze 
Burgoyne's movements. You know it 
has been said that ' an army moves on 
its belly,' which is true; the strictest dis- 
cipline, the staunchest courage and best 
equipments are useless, if soldiers are 
poorly fed. In modern warfare, the 
commissariat is justly considered the 
heart of the army." 



Mr. Winship: "Confirming the adage, 
' that a man's heart lies in his stomach.' 
I can easily believe that his courage does; 
we are all liable to grow faint-hearted 
waiting for a long delayed meal." 

Judge Van Eyck : " It is certain that Bur- 
goyne's precarious position was owing in a 
large measure to this difficulty. ' Every 
pound of pork he distributed was brought 
from Ireland; ' and among the three causes 
of failure specified by Burgoyne's latest 
biographer, one is a ' want of administra- 
tive arrangement and preparedness in 
the essentials of army supply.' Yet I 
am far from thinking that this scarcity of 
provisions would have led to Burgoyne's 
capture." 

Colonel Shelby: " Have you noticed 
some statements lately that assert it was 
St. Clair, instead of Sohuyler, who im- 
peded Wood Creek, and felled trees on 
the road between Skenesborough and 
Fort Edward? " 

Judge Van Eyck : "I have a sincere 
respect for General St. Clair, who suf- 
fered undeservedly so many misfortunes, 
but I am sure he would have indulged in 
a dry, incredulous smile at that sugges- 
tion. He was plodding his way through 
the wilderness from Castleton, and quite 
to the east, while Schuyler was destroy- 
ing the road between Sk«enesborough and 
Fort Edward, where St. Clair joined him 
after his mysterious disappearance of 
several days. It is true Colonel Long, 
of St. Clair's division, after his gallant 
fight of Fort Anne, had rocks rolled into 
the creek as he retreated, but this was a 
small matter compared with the work 
that was done. Schuyler's orders to 
Generals Fellows and Nixon, and many 
others, dated at Fort Edward, before St. 
Qlair arrived, show what active measures 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



155 



he was taking to impede the roads, and 
to strip the country of provisions and 
wagons that might aid the enemy. He 
also gave the most careful orders in re- 
gard to the intimidation of tories, and 
encouragement of patriots, and for secur- 
ing the guns and stores at Fort George, 
and at the same time he was using the 
utmost vigilance to protect the western 
frontier. I tell you, sir ; the energy, the 
extraordinary business capacity and the 
unflinching courage of Schuyler, exer- 
cised at that time, when all was dark 
and threatening, saved the campaign of 
'77, It was at the very moment when 
Burgoyne considered himself invincible, 
and was prepared to push rapidly for- 
ward, that Schuyler, with a shattered, 
despairing, empty-handed squad of men, 
put shovels and axes in their hands, and 
urging, scolding, and imploring, pushed 
them right and left to turn the very trees 
and rocks into frowning defences and 
sheltering walls, that would conceal the 
weakness of his force." 

Mr. Winship : " I do not deny that. 
Judge, but why had Schuyler so weak a 
force ? Because he had not the qualities 
necessary to collect or keep an army, or 
keep it together at that time. His aris- 
tocratic, overbearing manners made him 
repulsive to the militia; he had no influ- 
ence over them, and his partizan feelings 
separated him from many of the officers. 
He could not stand even behind the de- 
fences he had made, but was compelled 
to retreat again and again. When Gates 
took the command, he immediately ad- 
vanced, posted himself in a strong po- 
sition, and then set about surrounding 
Burgoyne on every side. He succeeded 
in doing this, and thus he obviated the 



necessity for an open fight. I believe 
General Gates was right in wishing to 
avoid such a risk. Was it not a neces- 
sary precaution, Colonel ?" 

Colonel Shelby : " O, no, sir ! You 
are mistaken. The Americans were 
much better at a dash or a skirmish in 
the woods than- behind entrenchments. 
The plan of Burgoyne for the 19th of 
September, was a skillful one, and he had 
the means for success, while his chances 
were very fair. Gates had not com- 
pleted the entrefichments at Bemis' 
Heights. When he was informed of 
Burgoyne's advance, he had the baggage 
wagons packed, and they stood in long 
lines behind the camp the whole day, in 
readiness for a retreat, which he evi- 
dently thought would be necessary. If 
the army had remained quietly behind 
their works, as Gates intended they 
should do, it is highly probable that 
Burgoyne would have accomplished his 
design. In that event the American 
camp would have been laid open to him 
in the identical way in which the British 
camp was exposed to our troops after 
the capture of Breyman's redoubt, in 
the battle of the 7th. If Burgoyne had 
been permitted to advance but little 
further than he really did, when his 
forces encountered Morgan, he would 
have gained possession of the heights 
from which Morgan, in the last battle, 
hurled himself upon Frazer's five hun- 
dred. These heights commanded the 
left of the American camp, and Phillips' 
artillery would soon have bristled among 
those trees, and swept Gates from Bemis' 
Heights, as Burgoyne was swept from 
his camp on the night of the 7th of Oc- 
tober. No, sir ; it was not mere impa- 



156 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



tience that instigated Arnold ; he had 
the eye and the spirit of a soldier, wretch 
as he afterwards proved himself. His 
entreaties to be allowed to meet Bur- 
goyne's advance saved the American 
camp on the 19th of September, and the 
check received then was after all the 
first insurmountable obstacle that Bur- 
goyne had encountered. It was Arnold's 
desperate valor in the next contest that 
drove Burgoyne back upon his retreat, 
and into the terrible circle where the 
cautious Gates finally came up and se- 
cured him, and there is no doubt but the 
roar of Sir Henry Clinton's artillery on 
the lower Hudson caused him to let his 
game out on easy terms." 

Mr. Winship: " Well, really. Colonel, I 
thought you were going to take an im- 
partial view of these matters, but you 
are as prejudiced as the Judge. You 
must admit, however, that if Clinton 
had followed up the advantage he gained 
on the Hudson, as it was reasonable to 
suppose he would, there could have been 
no question about the importance of 
Gates' securing the surrender with all 
possible despatch." 

Colonel Shelby: " That is a strong 
point for General Gates; under the cir- 
cumstances, it was wise for him to hurry, 
but he had Burgoyne so completely in 
his power that he might easily have dic- 
tated his own terms. Did you ever no- 
tice, Judge, in the accounts of these 
battles how vaguely the American artill- 
ery is mentioned, and yet it evidently 
contributed largely to the successful re- 
sult? We are told the story of the can- 
non ball that struck the table around 
which Burgoyne and his officers sat while 
considering the necessity for capitula- 



tion, and we can realize how powerrul 
an argument it was in hastening the de- 
cision. We hear poetic allusions to the 
cannon balls that fell among the officers 
who stood around Frazer's grave, and of 
other balls tearing through the house 
where Madame Riedesel and many 
wounded had taken refuge. She repeat- 
edly refers to the terrific cannonading, 
especially on the afternoon of the loth 
of October, when a halt was made at 
old Saratoga, and the British were thrown 
into 'great confusion and disorder;' but 
all these hints are vague; there is no ac- 
count of the position in which the guns 
were placed, either during the battles or 
afterwards, but some of these positions 
are found on British military maps; and 
little mention of the officers who com- 
manded them." 

Judge Van Eyck: " You know, I sup- 
pose, that Major Stevens had command 
of the artillery of the Northern Depart- 
ment at that time. In the retreat from 
Ticonderoga, he took a number of his 
guns on the batteaux, but they were lost, 
of course, at Skenesborough. In Au- 
gust, he wrote from Stillwater to General 
Knox that he was actively engaged in 
preparations for an attack from the en- 
emy. He undoubtedly handled the ar- 
tillery very skillfully, not only in the 
battles of Saratoga, but in the intervals 
of waiting he gave Burgoyne continual 
reminders of the precarious position he 
occupied, and during the last days be- 
fore the armistice that preceded the 
surrender, the artillery harrassed the 
British incessantly. Major Stevens' con- 
duct Tsas appreciated at the time, for 
he received a resolution of thanks from 
Congress for his efficient services, and 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



157 



Strict attention to duty, while command- 
ing officer of artillery of the Northern 
Department." 

Colonel Shelby: " I am glad to know 
that. In fact, our best histories are 
very deficient in many particulars that 
are full of interest, and are of importance 
in any effort to understand the events of 
the revolutionary period. It is perhaps 
because the records of public men, their 
letters and official papers, are still in pos- 
session of private families, many of 
which do not know the value of the pa- 
pers they hold." 

Judge Van Eyck : " It is a subject 
on which the people need instruction, 
and in which their interest should be 
aroused. There is scarcely an event, 
or a single individual even remotely con- 
nected with the revolution that has not 
an historic interest. This was peculi- 
arly so in regard to private soldiers and 
subordinate officers, who were so often 
persons of influence outside of the army, 
and whose opinions and actions were of 
more consequence than their rank would 
indicate." 

Mr. Winship : That is true, Judge, 
and is the reason why the New England 
men were so often misunderstood and 
berated by Schuyler and other aristo- 
cratic New Yorkers, Every man from 
New England knew he was a power in 
himself." 

Judge Van Eyck: "Yes, they had 
conceit enough. That might have been 
overlooked if their actions had corres- 
ponded with their opinion of themselves, 
but unfortunately, when the fighting or 
hard service was at hand, they too often 
made off for home. They were an in- 
subordinate, hard-headed set." 



Mr, Winship : " Perhaps so, when 
under the direction of purse-proud Dutch 
New Yorkers. When officered by men 
in whom they had confidence, the New 
England militia were invincible. Re- 
member what they did at Bennington, at 
Saratoga, and in the detachments sent 
out by Lincoln." 

Judge Van Eyck : " Well, Mr. Win- 
ship, you and I will have to compromise. 
When you come down to my country 
house, you must read the letters and or- 
ders of General Schuyler, which furnish 
an authentic history of what he did, and 
endeavored to do during the Saratoga 
campaign. They are a complete vindi- 
cation of every charge that has been 
brought against him." 

Mr. Winship : " I will be glad to ob- 
tain any new information on this subject, 
but I am confident that although General 
Schuyler may be thoroughly vindicated, 
that General Gates cannot be justly the 
subject of censure. He must be ac- 
knowledged at all times as a skillful, hu- 
mane, and dignified commander, and 
the hero of Saratoga " 

Colonel Shelby : " I think, gentlemen, 
we had better go and find the ladies." 
It grows dark in-doors, and the gentlemen 
walk down the hill to the lake shore. 
They join the ladies who sit on the 
benches, or walk about enjoying the 
moonlight. A sail boat lies at anchor 
near the pier, and Mr. Winship proposes 
a sail. The boat is immediately se- 
cured ; he steps on board and adjusts 
the sails. Colonel Shelby follows, and 
takes the rudder. Miss Van Eyck seats 
herself near Mr. Winship, and Miss Pel- 
ham is beside the Colonel, who disposes 
his long limbs recliningly, and lingers over 



158 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



his appointed work with a genuine spirit 
of relaxation. Mr. Winship puts the lit- 
tle vessel under full sail, and they soon 
glide out toward Snake Hill. They chat 
merrily for a few minutes, but soon the 
silence of the night, the darkness of the 
water near them and its shimmering 
brightness in the distance; the undu- 
lating, wooded shores of the lake, ac- 
cented by its legend-haunted, strongly 
marked promontory, Snake Hill, the dis- 
tant sky that here seems lifted to such 
incomprehensible heights — all contribute 
to subdue gaiety and arouse deeper emo- 
tions. As they drift on the artificial 
world seems left behind. The conven- 
tionalisms of society disappear — Parisian 
elegancies, military restraint, Boston pos- 
itiveness, and shy dignity are forgotten; 
the simplicity and earnestness of na- 
ture asserts itself in the human soul, in 
harmony with the spirit that pervades 
the surrounding scene. Colonel Shelby 
in low tones and picturesque language 
tells a wild, tragic story of life in Neva- 
da; he speaks of the towering mountains 
and tumbling cataracts amid which the 
scene took place. 

Miss Pelham, in an awed voice: "Col- 
onel, your story oppresses me; I do not 
like to hear of those savage people, and 
the thought of their immense moun- 
tains is terrible; how much more pleas- 
ing are these sloping hills and this quiet 
lake; one could not imagine a tragedy 
taking place here." 

Miss Van Eyck, speaking gently: "It 
was not far from here that the awful 
tragedy of war was played. Perhaps 
you will all think that I am battle-struck, 
but my mind is full of this expedition to 
Bemis Heights, and I feel as if we might 



be going there now as we glide over this 
lake; it takes us so much nearer. Some 
of the people who fled before Burgoyne's 
army came on canoes through Fish 
Creek and into this lake. How anxious 
and yet indignant they must have been; 
how different from the peacefulness that 
we feel now 1 — and yet the lake is as it 
was; how insignificant it makes one feel 
to think of this — that we come and go 
as time flows on and are never the same, 
and yet the hills, the waters and the sky 
remain fixed, immovable." 

Mr. Winship: "Not immovable. Miss 
Kate; they change, but under fixed laws, 
and so do we; no doubt we feel the same 
fears, anxieties and hopes that the peo- 
ple of those revolutionary times did, 
only our sensations are directed into 
other channels. Indignation and terror, 
despair and love, hold the same sway 
over us now as then." 

Miss Van Eyck, to Mr. Winship: 
"Don't you think Lady Ackland dis- 
played a more heroic love than any that 
can be found at the present day ? — and 
by the way, you said you could tell me 
something more about her than I yet 
know. Her adventures are an appropri- 
ate subject for such a place as this. How 
strangely she must have felt while in that 
little boat that carried her from the Brit- 
ish camp to the Americans; it was not a 
night like this, it was dark and stormy. 
But tell me, Mr. Winship, what you know 
of her." 

Mr. Winship: "I will. Miss Kate, 
most gladly, if you will first sing me a 
song." 

Miss Van Eyck, evidently in a yield- 
ing mood: "I will sing a song of the 
Hudson in a storm." 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



159 



SONG. 

On thy bosom angry river, 

Still I safely rest and dream, 
Knowing thee a faithful lover. 
Though dark passions I discover 
Mid the lightnings fitful gleam. 

Oft when thou wert calmly smiling, 

Stormy griefs I whispered thee. 
And forgot them while reclining 
On thy bosom — thou beguiling 
Me to dreams of ecstasy. 

Now I love thee for thy raging. 

Like my soul's unrestful ways. 
Storms or sunshine thee engaging, 
Still my woes thou art assuaging. 
Lover thou who ne'er betrays. 

Soft and clear the rich tones of Kate 
Van Eyck's voice float out on the moon- 
lighted air. As she finishes, a deep 
quiet prevails. 

Mr. Winship in low, distinct tones: 

" 'To gallant Gates, in war serenely brave. 
The tide of fortune turns its refluent wave; 
Forced by his arms, the bold invaders yield 
The prize andglory of the well-fought field: 
Bleeding and lost the captured Ackland lies — .' 

He is in the hands of the enemy, quite 
helpless, wounded in both legs. His 
valet, who is warmly attached to him, 
is groping about in the darkness among 
the wounded on the open field, in the 
chill, autumn night, peering into dead 
and suffering faces, examining the cloth- 
ing of the killed and mangled, patiently 
passing from group to group of prostrate 
officers and men in his sad search. He 
forgets that he is approaching the ene- 
my, but is suddenly reminded of their 
proximity by a sudden shock and fall; 
in struggling to rise he finds himself 
wounded in the shoulder. Bleeding 
profusely, it is with difficulty he gets back 
' to the camp." 



' Miss Van Eyck : " Was he the same 
man who saved his master's life when the 
tent was burning ?" 

Mr. Winship : " I don't think he was. 
Major Ackland seems to have inspired 
an ardent affection in all who surrounded 
him. The man who twice in the same 
night risked his life to save the Major's, 
was a sergeant. The tent occupied by 
Major Ackland and his wife took fire 
from a candle upset by a favorite dog. 
Lady Ackland was soon aroused, and 
crept out under the side of the tent, at 
the same time the sergeant entered it. 
He found the Major in a profound sleep 
and carried him out in his arms. As 
soon as contact with the air had aroused 
the sleeper, he saw the condition of af- 
fairs, and not knowing that his wife had 
escaped, he immediately rushed into the 
flames to rescue her. He was overcome 
with the fire and smoke, and would prob- 
ably have been smothered had not the 
sergeant followed him and again dragged 
him from the flames." 

Miss Pelham : " Wasn't it strange 
they should have a pet dog on such an 
expedition ?" 

Mr. Winship : " Many of the officers 
had dogs. They were probably hunting 
dogs, and no doubt they expected to 
have much pleasure hunting in the wild 
forests of New York. They tell of a dog 
belonging to Lord Balcarras, that had a 
curious escape from death when the 
army encamped at Crown Point, on its 
way down the lake." 

Colonel Shelby : " Did you know the 
Earl Balcarras was a very young man, 
and ' fleshed his maiden sword ' at Hub- 
bardton ?" 

Mr. Winship : " An interesting fact, 



i6o 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



Colonel, but to continue my stor}- : 
large trees were being cut down. One 
erf them fell directly on the dog, and by 
its weight seemed to hury him in the 
earth. The dog was unusually intelli- 
gent and quick ; he had became a favor- 
ite in the camp — there was a general 
rush for his rescue by the soldiers 
around. Some of them said it was no 
use tr}^ing to get him out of his hole; of 
course he was dead, but others chopped 
diligently at the great tree, and soon 
lifted the heavy log from his back, when 
to the astonishment of all, the dog trot- 
ted off in apparently good condition and 
spirits." 

Colonel Shelby : " He must have been 
imbedded in soft, alluvial soil in such a 
way as to relieve him of the weight of 
the tree and the force of its fall." 

Miss Van Eyck : " Do you know 
■whether Lady Ackland was as beautiful 
as she was lovely in character ? " 

Mr. Winship : I have seen a print 
of her from a portrait by Rivers — one of 
the most interesting faces I ever saw ; 
the features are classical and the express- 
ion spiritual; the dress, too, is pictur- 
esque. You can easily believe her to 
have been one of those women who give 
and inspire an extraordinary affection, 
one that would stimulate a man to great 
deeds, that would keep active the higher 
sentiments of his nature." 

Colonel Shelby : " Ton my word, 
Winship, I don't like to spoil your pretty 
romance, but I have no doubt but Ack- 
land was just such a wine-bibbing, fox- 
hunting fellow as the rest of those British 
officers." 

Mr. Winship : " But we know. Colo- 
nel, that Ackland not only performed 



heroic deeds on every field, and was 
repeatedly wounded, but that he was 
actuated by high and honorable senti- 
ments. The very fact that these traits 
were not swallowed up in the indulgence 
of coarser tastes shows that there was 
some strong influence at work to coun- 
teract sensuality, and keep active his 
higher nature. The conduct of Lady 
Ackland, as well as her appearance, indi- 
cate that hers was the purifying spirit 
that guided and influenced him. When 
she joined her husband in the American 
camp, she was received by General Gates 
with the greatest tenderness and respect. 
Indeed, I think it is hard to suppose 
that a man who showed as manly and 
noble traits in his treatment of women 
as Gates always did, should have been a 
coward. Surely, Colonel, we can draw 
as just a conclusion from this, as the 
Judge did from General Schuyler's horse- 
manship." 

Colonel Shelby : " Perhaps so. But 
he must indeed have been a miserable 
poltroon who would have done less for 
Lady Ackland, arriving in camp under 
such circumstances." 

Mr. Winship : " Her husband soon 
recovered. Miss Kate; but after their 
return to England he was shot in a duel 
caused by his defence of the valor of the 
American troops. The sudden shock of 
his death affected Lady Ackland's mind ; 
she was insane two years, but was finally 
restored and found consolation in the 
affection of Mr. Brudenell, whom she 
afterwards married. He was the chap- 
lain who performed the ceremony at 
Frazer's funeral, and he had also accom- 
panied Lady Ackland on that perilous 
boat-ride between the two camps; her 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



l6l 



husband's faithful valet, although wound- 
ed, also went with her. A sister of Lady 
Ackland, Lady Susan O'Brien (they 
were both daughters of Lord Holland) 
was visiting, at the beginning of the revo- 
lution, Sir William Johnson, in the Mo- 
hawk valley. No doubt the sisters were 
together in Canada, before Lady Harriet 
joined her husband at Skenesborough. 
I believe she wrote a narrative of the 
campaigns in which she followed the 
army in America. 



IV. 

" After the thunder-storm our heaven is blue : 
Far off, along the borders of the sky, 
In silver folds the clouds of battle lie, 
With soft consoling sunlight shining through; 
And round the sweeping circle of yon hills 
The crashing cannon-thrills 
Have faded from the memory of the air. 

And Summer pours from unexhausted fountains 
Her bliss on yonder mountains : 
The camps are tenantless ; the breastworks 

bare : 
Earth keeps no stain where hero-blood was 
poured : 
The hornets humming on their wings of lead. 
Have ceased to sting, their angry swarms are 
dead, 
And, harmless in its scabbard, rusts the sword !" 

The day is shadowy. A brilliant sun 
rides high in the heavens above a pale 
blue, far-reaching sky. Great drifting 
silvery clouds float slowly from the east, 
throwing dark shadows on the distant 
hills and fields — and one, a van-guard, 
casts its gloom so long over the broad 
street facing the great hotels, that the 
day seems dark. Under its softened 
light, Kate Van Eyck strolls quietly, pen- 
sively across the lawn from the cottage 



piazza, Mr. Winship following her silent- 
ly. They join the other members of 
their party who are starting for their ride 
to the battle ground. Mrs. Harris is al- 
ready seated in the landau, Miss Van 
Eyck, Mr. Winship and Judge Van Eyck 
take their places with her, and they are 
driven off toward the lake on Union 
Avenue. 

Colonel Shelby and Miss Pelham have 
decided to visit Schuylerville instead of 
Bemis Height, and the Colonel turns the 
heads of the horses that draw their light 
buggy towards the Town Hall, where 
they turn into Lake Avenue, and thence 
follow the Schuylerville road. 

Miss Pelham : " Colonel, I do not 
intend to forget Kate's admonition to 
ask you for information about Schuyler- 
ville." 

Colonel Shelby: "It is the place, Miss 
Pelham, where the surrender of Bur- 
goyne took place, and near where the vil- 
lage of old Saratoga stood, and also 
where Schuyler's handsome country res- 
idence was burned by Burgoyne on his 
retreat." 

Miss Pelham: " I once saw a picture 
of Mrs. Schuyler setting fire to a field; 
had that anything to do with it ? " 

Colonel Shelby, smiling: "Well, no; 
not with Burgoyne's fire. She had taken 
her furniture out of the house and re- 
turned to Albany some time before he 
arrived, but when she was leaving she 
set fire to the grain to prevent it from 
falling into his hands." 

Miss Pelham: "Did you say there 
was a monument at Schuylerville ?" 

Colonel Shelby, evidently amused at 
Miss Pelham's eagerness to obtain in- 
formation at the dictation of Miss Kate: 



l62 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



■' Not yet, but it is proposed to put one 
there in commemoration of the battles 
of Saratoga." 

Miss Pelham, perplexedly: "But I 
thought the battles were not fought there. 
You see, Colonel, I am hopelessly mixed 
when it comes to military matters. But 
do enlighten me about this monument." 

Colonel Shelby: "It is claimed that 
the place of surrender is a proper loca- 
tion for the monument, as being the cul- 
minating point of a long series of stra- 
tegic movements and conflicts. My 
preference would be for the field where 
the battles took place, some miles below. 
The two principal contests were upon the 
same ground, and there, where the blood 
was shed and the retreat began which 
led to the surrender, seems a more suita- 
ble place." 

Miss Pelham: "I think it is a pity to 
put anything worth seeing in either of 
these out-of-the-way places. Who will 
ever go to look at them; " adding play- 
fully: ** I am sure we never would hav- 
thought of such a thing if Kate had 
not taken a freak in her head about some 
romantic incidents in the battles that 
pleased her. She has not let any of us rest 
since; we had to come in self-defence." 

Colonel Shelby: " I do not consider 
the seclusion of either of these places an 
objection. The battle-field, where the 
rest of the party are going, would be, in 
its retirement, the very place where a 
person like Miss Van Eyck, for instance, 
who has a genuine sentiment about such 
things, might feel most strongly the as- 
sociations of the place and recall most 
vividly the events which were commem- 
orated. It is also but a continuation of 
the favorite drive to Saratoga lake. 



Miss Pelham: "What else am I to 
remember at Schuylerville; was there no 
fighting at all there ? 

Colonel Shelby: "Yes, there was a 
skirmish that came near being an un- 
lucky affair for the Americans, but they 
retreated in time to save themselves ; it 
was not an event in which we can feel 
much pride. There was some skillful 
cannonading there by the Americans for 
a few days before the surrender, and it is 
where Madame Riedesel spent those 
dreadful nights in a cellar." 

Miss Pelham: "Don't tell me anything 
about that. Battles are quite grand in 
the abstract, but I don't like the particu- 
lars." 

In the meantime the remainder of the 
party on the other road, in the landau, 
are passing the gate of the race course. 

Miss Van Eyck, addressing Mrs. Har- 
ris: " You have not told me that second 
version of the story of Jane McCrea, 
who was murdered by the Indian allies 
of Burgoyne; we will soon get to the lake 
and I would like to hear it before I leave 
you." 

Mrs. Harris : "I suppose you know 
the most generally accepted account of 
it?" 

Miss Van Eyck: "The school histories 
tell us that Lieutenant Jones, a tory, in 
Burgoyne's army, was betrothed to Jane 
McCrea; that he sent a party of Indians 
to bring her from Fort Edward to the 
British camp near there, and promised 
them a barrel of whiskey as a reward if 
they would bring her in safety. I think he 
was a very inconsiderate lover; well, you 
know the Indians quarreled about the 
whiskey they were to get and tomahawk- 
ed Jane McCrea on the road " 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



163 



Mrs. Harris: " But the lover did not 
offer the whiskey as a reward, and he did 
not send for her either. I think those 
facts are well established, although there 
are several different versions of the trag- 
edy. All agree that Jenny lived with her 
brother, near Fort -Edward, and that he 
was a whig, who wished to leave his home 
as the British advanced and take refuge 
in Albany. At this time Jenny was at 
Fort Edward, visiting her tory friend 
Mrs. McNeil, who was a relative of Gen- 
eral Frazer. Jenny's brother sent repeat- 
ed messages for her to join him. She 
delayed, probably quite willing for the 
British to arrive, as her lover was with 
them. Finally yielding to the entreaties 
of her brother, she prepared to leave in 
a batteau on a certain evening. On the 
morning of that very day a marauding 
party of Indians burst into the house of 
Mrs. McNeil and dragged her and Jenny 
out of a cellar, where they had concealed 
themselves, and carried them off as pris- 
oners. Jenny, in her fright, promised 
them a large reward if they would spare 
her life and take her in safety to the 
British camp. This was the reward they 
quarreled over, as stated by a niece of 
Jenny. She was carried away on horse- 
back, but Mrs. McNeil was so large and 
heavy that the Indians could not get her 
on a horse, and they pulled her along by 
both arms, and frequently compelled her 
to fall on her face, as they did them- 
selves, to avoid the bullets of the Ameri- 
cans, who were pursuing them. A grand- 
daughter of Mrs. McNeil has said that 
the Indians told her grand-mother that 
Jane McCrea was shot by the Americans 
who were pursuing them; that they only 
scalped her after she was dead. Mrs. 



McNeil believed this, because her own 
life had been endangered in the same 
way, and because a larger reward was of- 
fered for prisoners brought into the camp 
alive than for scalps. This theory of the 
tragedy has been adopted by several of 
the later narrators." 

Judge Van Eyck : " I think if any 
such representation had been made by 
the Indians at the time of the murder, 
Burgoyne would gladly have availed him- 
self of it, and have made it known; but, 
on the contrary, he was anxious to punish 
the murderer, and was only deterred 
from doing so by the representations and 
solicitations of de Luc. I have no doubt 
but the Indians tomahawked her. It was 
not an unusual occurrence, but the ex- 
citement of the time gave it great impor- 
tance. Inhuman cruelty was attributed 
to the whole British army, who sheltered 
the savages, and it waked up the militia 
and sent them to the American camp." 

Mrs. Harris: " I had supposed. Judge, 
that the family of Jenny were all whigs, 
but I see in Burgoyne's biography there 
is reference to a letter, written by one of 
her brothers to General Burgoyne, some 
years after the war, soliciting his influ- 
ence for an appointment in the army. It 
seems General Burgoyne endorsed this 
letter with a few lines, in which he ex- 
pressed his gratification at having this 
proof that the family of Miss McCrea 
believed that he had acted with humanity 
and honor at the time of her murder; and 
he also says that he was able to obtain 
the appointment desired," 

Miss Van Eyck: *' What became of the 
lover, Mrs. Harris?" 

Mrs. Harris: *'As soon as he was 
charged with having sent for Jenny, he 



i64 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



offered his resignation as Lieutenant in 
the army. It was not accepted. One 
account says he fought desperately in the 
battles at Saratoga, and was killed; but 
the more authentic one states that he de- 
serted immediately after the death of 
Jenny, and went to Canada. He bought 
her scalp from the Indian who had taken 
it; her hair had been beautiful, dark 
brown, and over a yard long. Lieuten- 
ant Jones preserved this sad memento as 
long as he lived, and I think he was an 
old man when he died. Every July, as 
the anniversary of the sad event ap- 
proached, he would seclude himself en- 
tirely from his friends, and they never 
at any time referred to the Revolution 
in his presence." 

Mr. Winship: *'I have seen Jane Mc- 
Crea's grave at Fort Edward. Do you 
know how they recovered her body? " 

Mrs. Harris: " It was found by the pur- 
suing Americans near the spot where she 
was killed, and they sent it to her brother 
on the very batteau in which she ex- 
pected to have gone down the river to 
meet him. She was buried on the banks 
of the Hudson, and many years after- 
wards her remains were removed to the 
cemetery at Fort Edward." 

They arrive at the Lake House, and 
alight for a short time. Miss Van Eyck's 
horse Guido is awaiting her there. She 
mounts him, and followed by her groom, 
turns to the right, and goes slowly down 
the long hill, past the Brigg's House, and 
over the bridge that crosses the "nar- 
rows." The steady clamp, clamp of 
Guido's feet on the bridge seems to make 
more palpable the quietness of the placid 
scene of beauty before her. The lake 
lies motionless, and in Kate's mind it 



harmonizes with her calm expectancy of 
pleasure in the final object of her ride. 
Following along the road, she passes 
through a cool, shady marsh, where the 
varied stems of the willows and the ten- 
der ferns and grasses underneath give 
variety and interest even to this tame 
spot. The road now follows close to the 
lake shore, and Guido, seemingly tired of 
his dull paces, voluntarily starts off at a 
brisk canter, and brings her quickly to 
the Cedar Bluff Hotel, which she passes, 
and then turns to the left, moving more 
slowly up the long hill. When near the 
top, she glances suddenly off to the 
northwest, and is so strongly impressed 
with the distant mountain view that she 
checks her horse entirely, and turns to 
enjoy it. As the landau approaches, the 
Judge orders William to stop. 

Judge Van Eyck: "I am glad you 
stopped here, Kate. When going to the 
White Sulphur Spring, one day last sum- 
mer, with a gentleman familiar with this 
region, we took a turn up this hill, and 
he pointed out the different ranges of 
mountains that we can see from this 
place. Do you notice how those two 
ranges lie, one over the other? " 

Mr. Winship: "Yes; they are quite 
distinct upon a second look, though at 
first they seemed to be but one. There 
is a break in the forward range." 

Judge Van Eyck: "That is the Pal- 
mertown range; it divides and surrounds 
Lake George. Far to the north you see 
a few high knolls that lie at the head of 
that lake. Now follow down a short dis- 
tance to the gap you speak of. That is 
where the Hudson breaks through this 
Palmertown range. You see that range 
dwindles down as it nears the village. 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



165 



They tell me its terminus is at Glen 
Mitchell, or rather North Broadway in 
Saratoga Springs. The higher range be- 
yond is the Kayadrossera, which shows 
almost an unbroken line as it descends. 
Now look across the lake." 

Miss Van Eyck: " O, see, father, how 
beautiful ! The whole extent of the lake 
lies beneath us; " pointing southward. 
" What mountains are those beyond it? " 

Judge Van Eyck : " Those are the 
northern peaks of the Catskills." 

Mrs. Harris: " How could we have been 
at Saratoga so often and so long without 
hearing of this fine view? Judge, I am 
really disposed to reproach you for not 
bringing us sooner." 

Judge Van Eyck: "Well, I had for- 
gotten it, although I was much impressed 
with it when I first came here, and I re- 
member now that Mr. Jones, who was 
with me, said there was a still more ex- 
tensive lookout from a hill two or three 
miles beyond this. I think we go over 
it to-day. Kate, you had better let us 
take the lead now." 

Mr. Winship has alighted from the 
carriage and stands near Kate: " I real- 
ize now the advantage you have in being 
on horseback. You can enjoy the beau- 
tiful landscape at every turn without 
effort. I did not know that such views 
were to be seen on this ride." 

Miss Van Eyck: " This is an unex- 
pected pleasure, and I congratulate my- 
self upon having persevered in my de- 
sire to go in this way." 

They now ride rapidly on, turning to 
the left at the top of the hill, and enter- 
ing a chestnut grove whose dense shade is 
restful to the eyes after gazing intently 
over the water and at the distant views. 



To Kate especially is this secluded, wind- 
ing road in the thick forest a delight; 
she lets the reins hang loosely on Guido's 
neck as he walks slowly and daintily on, 
her mind still filled with thoughts 
suggested by the distant, misty hills. 
Coming out of the woods she sees the 
carriage, a mere speck, and seemingly sta- 
tionary before her; hurrying on she finds 
them waiting for her, as here, at the cross- 
roads near the red school-house, they 
fear she may mistake the way. They 
now all keep on the direct road up 
another extended hill, and Kate gallop- 
ing ahead, reaches the summit first, turns 
abruptly and waves her handkerchief. 
The carriage comes up. 

Miss Van Eyck: " This must be the 
hill you were telling us of. Do have the 
carriage thrown entirely open so you can 
stand up and see it all. There, father, 
are the two ranges of mountains you 
showed us on the other hill, only they 
look higher and more irregular from this 
point, and we can see so much further 
north; are those the Lake George moun- 
tains? and, oh look! in the opposite di- 
rection. I do believe there is ' The Old 
Man of the Mountain; * see, Mrs. Harris, 
there are other mountains south of that, 
and turn quite around, there is still 
another range entirely separate. Is not 
this magnificent? I was never in such 
an ampitheatre before. Can you see 
them all ? " 

Mr. Winship: "Indeed, Miss Kate, 
this is very fine. Those are doubtless 
the Green Mountains and the Hudson 
river hills you have pointed out toward 
the east, and there is the veritable ' Old 
Man of the Mountains ' in the Catskills, 
lying on his back as usual." 



166 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



Judge Van Eyck: "Kate, those are 
the high hills of Lake George to the 
north, and the Kayadrossera chain breaks 
up into peaks there to the northwest. 
We must have a view of one thousand 
square miles under our eyes here. Sara- 
toga ought to make more stir about such 
a ride as this, and have guide-boards 
with directions to these hills; the last one 
was Caldwell's — this is Summit ; but 
come, we must be moving on." 

They proceed cautiously down the 
long, uneven slope and soon leave the 
pine-crowned hill on the left, where they 
turn sharply to the right and drive over 
a smooth road through a lovely circular 
valley to the Quaker meeting house, 
where Kate, who is in advance, stops for 
directions as she comes to a cross road. 

Miss Van Eyck, as they approached: 
" Which way, father ?" 

Judge Van Eyck: *' To the right again. 
This is the main road from Quaker 
Springs to Bemis' Heights. Across the 
hills where this road now runs was a part 
of the battle ground. The road follows 
just about the course that must have been 
taken by Arnold when he made his first 
charge against the Hessians in the last 
battle, but we have quite a drive yet 
before reaching that part of the road. I 
think it will be better for us to go to 
Freeman's Farm first." 

Mrs. Harris : "That will be the most 
interesting spot, because the heaviest 
fighting in both battles was there." 

At the next cross road they turn to the 
left and in a few minutes stop before the 
house on Freeman's Farm. They alight 
and enter, and find the hostess very ami- 
able and glad to tell them all she knows 
that will interest them. She also :.]-AjWi 



them the relics that have been ploughed 
up on the farm. There are musket balls, 
a twenty-four pound cannon ball, buckles 
and buttons bearing the number of Brit- 
ish regiments, and the jaw bone of a man 
with the teeth still preserved. They are 
told that just beyond a little knoll near 
the house the blood run a foot deep; a 
statement they take with a grain of al- 
lowance; and yet one may believe that 
it was indeed a sanguinary spot, for just 
there Balcarras made his heroic defence 
against Arnold's mad attack and succeed- 
ed in repulsing him. He held the redoubt 
upon this place until Burgoyne moved 
his army during the night after the 
battle. 

Judge Van Eyck, while they all stand 
on the site of the old redoubt: "Which 
is Burgoyne's hill, as it is called?" A 
high knoll, covered with trees of a light 
growth, and surrounded by a ravine, is 
pointed out across the road, but some 
distance back from it. " That, Kate, is 
really Breyman's hill; at least it is where 
the redoubt was located, which he de- 
fended. There were earthworks between 
this redoubt and that. In the last bat- 
tle the Massachusetts regiments broke 
through these works about the time of 
Arnold's repulse here by Balcarras. See- 
ing the advantage they had gained, Ar- 
nold, with Learned's regiment, dashed 
around from here to the hill where Brey- 
man was, and succeeded in getting pos- 
session of that. Breyman was killed at 
his guns, and his men all driven away. 
Arnold was also wounded there; but the 
Americans held the redoubt, and you 
can see how it gave them the command 
of the whole British camp, and made it 
necessary for Burgoyne to abandon his 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



167 



position. We will now go to the sight of 
Frazer's camp, in the pine woods just 
across the road." 

Mrs. Harris: "I think, Judge, that we 
have lingered so long on the way that we 
had better take our lunch at once, and 
make further investigations afterwards." 

Judge Van Eyck: " A good suggestion, 
Madame; and if you like a genuine pic- 
nic, those woods are just the place for it. 
Robert, have the coffee boiled, and buy 
some milk here at the farm-house. Bring 
the feed for your horses to the woods; 
the ladies will ride over." 

They entered the woodland through 
an opening in the fence, where the old 
military road, constructed by Burgoyne 
for the advance of his army to Free- 
man's Farm, was plainly visible. Alight- 
ing from the carriage, and turning a little 
to the right, they soon found an open yet 
shaded place to spread their lunch on the 
ground. The wraps and cushioi>s from 
the carriage were disposed around, and 
lounging on them in oriental fashion, 
with sharpened appetites, the whole party 
enjoyed the informal repast. Light- 
hearted jests, animated discussions about 
the next thing to be done, and good- 
natured disputes, caused a pleasant hour 
to slip away unheeded upon the very 
spot where, " all day long the noise of 
battle rolled." The lunch is over. 

Mrs. Harris, walking to a small stream 
near the fence: " Judge, what ravine is 
this? Will you show it to me on the 
map? " 

Judge Van Eyck: " Yes. You see that 
is a small branch of the north ravine, 
which is behind us. It ran in front of 
the British camp down by the river, and 
then passed through the camp, as you 



find it in this place. Do you see here 
on the map that the bridge across the 
north ravine is just above the fork made 
by this small one? " 

Miss Van Eyck: "Come, father, I am 
sure we know that map by heart; let 
us go and look for the bridge." 

Mr. Winship: "Wait a few minutes. 
Miss Kate; I want to take another look. 
I see, Judge, it is quite easy to find on 
the map the exact spot where we have 
lunched." 

Judge Van Eyck: "This is in front of 
the north ravine. Now stand up and 
look across the fields. You can trace 
the line of the middle ravine, which lay 
between the two camps. You can see 
Bemis' Heights and Neilson's Farm, 
where the American camp lay. There 
was also a ravine in front of that, and 
one behind it." 

Mr. Winship: "The ground seems 
to have been well chosen by both 
commanders. We are coming, Miss 
Kate." 

They follow the military road back 
through the woods for a few rods. 

Mrs. Harris: "Here is the bridge; a 
very modern one, by the way, which 
seems singular, as the road does not 
seem to have been used, and looks as if 
it might have remained undisturbed in 
the forest all these years." 

Judge Van Eyck: "This road was 
only discovered or noticed two years 
ago, and there was then no bridge over 
the ravine, but distinct marks of the old 
bridge could be seen; this new bridge 
covers the same place. This forest has 
remained untouched since the revolu- 
tionary time. You can see how these 
few acres have been left, and how in the 



i68 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



clearings all around the old relics of the 
past, earthworks and roads have been 
ploughed up, and are quite lost," 

Miss Van Eyck: " This is a beautiful 
glen, with the water tumbling over the 
rocks. Didn't you tell me, Mrs. Harris, 
that these ravines would all be dry? " 

Mrs. Harris: "I supposed they would, 
for I have heard that all the small water 
courses in this country had become 
greatly reduced, or were quite dried up." 

Miss Van Eyck and Mrs. Harris linger 
on the little bridge, Judge Van Eyck and 
Mr. Winship pass over, ascend the slope 
on the other side and walk on a few 
yards. 

Mr. Winship: "Look at this. Judge; 
here is another road, branching off from 
the one we have followed." 

Judge Van Eyck: "This is, indeed, 
clearly another road of the same kind; 
let us follow it. You see it is graded in 
the same way. There were in those times 
no roads in New York as carefully and 
skilfully graded as these are. You can 
easily see the difference between these 
and the country roads we have been rid- 
ing over to-day. Take a look now up 
and down this ravine, and at the sur- 
rounding country. Do you see that where 
that little bridge crosses the ravine is the 
only place that an army could have been 
taken over without the construction of a 
very long bridge, and a far greater ex- 
penditure of time and labor than Bur- 
goyne used. He had skilfull engineers. 
This road you have just pointed out must 
have been made to carry the artillery and 
stores to Breyman's and Balcarras' re- 
doubts." 

Mr. Winship: "Do you think, Judge, 
that these can be the old ruts made by the 



artillery and wagons in Burgoyne's time? 
Would they not have been filled up long 
ago by the deposit of leaves and dirt? " 

Judge Van Eyck: " It is said that a de- 
pression of four inches in the earth will 
be perceptible for a much longer time. 
This road has been sheltered by the for- 
rest, and there can really be no doubt 
about these old roads; it is not only that 
they show in themselves what they are, 
but they correspond exactly with the 
roads on the military maps, drawn at the 
time." 

Mr. Winship: " This then is one of the 
plainest and most interesting land-marks 
of the revolutionary period that we pos- 
sess; but the glaring new boards on that 
bridge make one think that the old will 
soon be lost in the new." 

Judge Van Eyck: " I think, Mr. Win- 
ship, that the most suitable commemora- 
tion of the battles that could be made 
would be a purchase of part of Freeman's 
Farm, including this little woodland. Al- 
though the battle of the yth began off on 
the hills, the British were soon driven 
back here, where the fighting of the 19th 
took place. If this place was preserved 
without change, it would be interesting 
in itself, and in the course of time a 
monument could be erected upon it." 

They join the ladies and it is decided 
that they will ride down to the river, a 
distance of two miles or more. The pub- 
lic road passing Freeman's Farm is fol- 
lowed. They go over a succession of 
irregular and very steep hills, they make 
various surmises as to the probable lo- 
cality of Burgoyne's headquarters, which 
they know they must pass on the way. 
The middle ravine is plainly seen as they 
proceed. It grows wilder and more 




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D fa 
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A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



169 



rugged and the hills more precipitous. 
They can understand now why the col- 
umns of Burgoyne's army were so widely 
separated on their advance; they must 
either go on the river road or far to the 
west. It would be impossible to drag 
artillery over these hills and glens. It 
becomes more and more evident that the 
American position was well chosen. Ap- 
proaching near the river they cross one of 
the ravines on a precarious bridge; they 
see Wilbur's basin on the right and cross 
the canal bridge, then turn sharply to the 
left on the river road. 

Miss Van Eyck, coming to the side of 
the landau: "This is just like the pic- 
tures with which we are familiar; there 
are the three hills on which the British 
tents are always seen in the pictures. 
The middle one must be where Frazer is 
buried. See, there are the two trees, 
the grass covering most of the slope, 
and even the man with his plough ; he 
must have come out on purpose to com- 
plete the view. What a beau.tiful place 
this is; no wonder Frazer chose it for his 
burial." 

Mrs. Harris: " It must have been here 
that Lady Ackland embarked in the little 
boat that was to take her to the Ameri- 
can camp. No, that was at Coveville. 

Judge Van Eyck: "It was just here, too, 
that the British army was huddled to- 
gether on the night after the lost battle. 
Look behind you at the flats where the 
river bends a little and you will see where 
the Americans posted themselves when 
they followed Burgoyne that night; and 
just on that rise of ground Major Stevens 
must have planted the cannon that made 
such sad work at the funeral. You can 
see how impossible it was for Burgoyne 



to remain here long. Shall we now ride 
up the river to the house where Frazer 
died?" 

Mr. Winship: " I think it will be more 
interesting, as we cannot see all these 
places to-day, to visit Bemis' Heights, 
below this; it will probably be a pleasant 
drive down the river," 

Mrs. Harris: " Let us follow Mr. Win- 
ship's suggestion. I do not want to re- 
turn without seeing the exact position of 
the American camp." 

Miss Van Eyck: "Before we go, let 
us walk up the hill, and see if there is 
anything to mark Frazer's grave." 

Mrs. Harris: "You will find nothing 
there, Kate, more than can be seen from 
here; yet I am sure it was a false charge 
made by some of the British, in which 
they stated that the Americans had 
opened the grave and scattered the bones 
of the hero in their search for chests of 
gold that they believed had been buried 
with him." 

William:"^' But, Judge, they did find big 
chests of money some where out here, 
and not very long ago. I heard about 
a workman on a farm, who found one of 
these chests. The farmer made him give 
it up to him, because it was found on 
his land. Soon afterwards the workman 
bought himself a farm ; so they knew he 
must have got a good deal of the money." 

Judge Van Eyck: "It is not improb- 
able that some money may have been 
found, as the British might very naturally 
have buried it before the retreat, to pre- 
vent it from falling into the hands of the 
Americans. We must go down the river 
now. Drive on, William." 

They have a beautiful ride of about 
two miles over the flats and near the 



170 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND 



river, when they reach the site of the old 
Bemis House. Here they turn to the 
right, and begin the long and gradual 
ascent to the heights. This road they ob- 
serve, as they examine the map, follows 
the line of the American camp, and runs 
along a ridge, with a ravine in front and 
behind. The remains of an old cellar 
on the left indicate the place of General 
Gates headquarters. Finally reaching 
the height, a turn to the right soon brings 
them to the Neilson House, where Mor- 
gan and Poor had their headquarters. 
Part of the original building is still stand- 
ing, and in it the room where Lady 
Ackland was conducted to the bedside 
of her wounded husband. The house is 
still owned and occupied by descendants 
of the family to whom it then belonged. 
They have many relics that have been 
found on the farm, arrow points, balls, 
bayonets, camp spoons, and other things 
suggestive of the great conflicts or the 
camp life of the contestants. These are 
examined by the visitors, who also have 
pointed out to them the remains of the 
earthworks that may still be seen. Judge 
Van Eyck now hurries his party home 
over the road leading to Quaker Springs. 
Between Neilson's Farm and Freeman's 
Farm they pass over a part of the battle- 
field, and with the aid of their map they 
locate the positions of the different corps 
of troops, as they are represented there. 
Kate Van Eyck rides close to the car- 
riage, and makes inquiries, or points out 
such places as she believes have an espe- 
cial interest. 

As they continue their ride home, the 
gorgeous sunset seems to be repeated 
again and again, as it is lost under the 



shadow of some great hill, to be found 
once more as they emerge from its dark- 
ened side. The lake still lies in a pro- 
found calm, only repeating with startling 
distinctness the undulating line of its 
shores with their fringe of trees. As 
they near the village, the moon comes 
out in full splendor. 

Mrs. Harris: "What a glorious day we 
have had, Judge; the moon seems to 
appear now to put a climax on its per- 
fections." 

Mr. Winship: " It has been a most en- 
joyable day, and I have never visited a 
battle field with more satisfaction. It is 
generally difficult to realize the connec- 
tion between the place and the event; 
but the locations of the two camps, with 
the battle ground between, on the Sara- 
toga field suggests vividnesss of recol- 
lection that is unusual." 

They reach the hotel, alight and pass 
into their cottage. Colonel Shelby and 
Miss Pelham are sitting on the front 
piazza, waiting for their arrival. Col- 
onel Shelby assists Miss Van Eyck from 
her horse. 

Colonel Shelby: " I hope your antici- 
pations have been fulfilled; that you have 
had a pleasant day." 

Miss Van Eyck: " It has been more 
than delightful. Before I went I had a 
lurking fear that when I actually got upon 
the battle ground all my imaginations 
about it would take flight — that it would 
be only an every day field and common- 
place hills, but it was not so. As I rode 
over the ground I did realize that it was 
sacred to a great cause — that it had been 
the arena upon which great ideas had 
displayed their impelling force, and that 



A VISIT TO THE BATTLE GROUND. 



171 



while many of the contestants had 
' Builded better than they knew,' they 
must still have been inspired with some 
dim vision of the future." 

Colonel Shelby: "You convince me, 
Miss Van Eyck, that the pleasure or 
profit we may find in any object is with- 
in ourselves. How many persons would 
witness the scenes you have looked on 
to-day and feel no responsive emotion, 
have no new thoughts awakened. I envy 
the person whom you will permit at any 



time to be the companion of your 
thoughts and sentiments. Will you al- 
low me to hope that I may occasionally 
have such a happiness? You must be 
convinced by this time that such occa- 
sions cannot be too often repeated to 
please me. Will you allow me to go 
with you to-morrow on the proposed ex- 
pedition to Prospect Hill?" 

Miss Van Eyck: " I will tell you in 
the morning, Colonel, what arrangements 
we have made." 



VISITORS' GUIDE 



TO 



SARATOGA SPRINGS 



SARATOGA SPRINGS 

IN RELATION TO THE GREAT ROUTES OF TRAVEL. 

The village of Saratoga Springs is located directly on the main northern 
railroad between New York City and Montreal. It is about five hours' ride 
from New York City, one hour from Troy and one hour and a quarter from 
Albany. Through trains, with drawing-room cars, arrive from New York and 
other points several times each day. The Hudson River day and night 
steamboat lines connect with the morning and evening trains. 

From the west, New York Central Railroad trains make immediate con- 
nections with Saratoga trains at Schenectady, which is one hour's ride from 
the Springs. From Boston and the east, many trains of the Boston and 
Albany connect with Saratoga trains without delay. The station of the 
Fitchburg Railroad, Hoosick Tunnel route, is on Lake avenue, three 
minutes' walk from Broadway and the principal hotels ; quick trains connect 
with Boston, and several trains each day provide for excursions to Saratoga 
Lake, Schuylerville, etc. 

The Adirondack Railroad has its southern terminus at Saratoga Springs. 
Passengers on that road can go to North Creek, then by stage to Cedar 
River and to Blue Mountain Lake, the head-waters of the Raquette River. 
Excursions can be made to Lake George on the Delaware and Hudson 
Canal Co.'s railroad to Glens Falls, and thence by stage, ten miles, to the 
south end of the lake, or by railroad to the north end of the lake, which is 
traversed daily by a pleasant little steamboat. Thus it is seen that tourists 
passing over any of the great routes, north, south, east or west, can reach 
Saratoga to refresh themselves with its health-giving waters, or visit its 
objects of interest with little loss of time, while those who remain during 
the season can make frequent excursions to delightful places of resort, or 
reach the cities for business purposes without effort or serious waste of 
time. 

The depot of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Co.'s railroad is on 
Division street, near Franklin square, in the central part of the village, and 
one block from Broadway, which is its principal street. Hotel omnibuses 
convey passengers to the hotels free of charge. Livery carriages and 
horses are also in waiting for the use of travelers, and the agent of a reliable 
baggage express company is in attendance on the cars and in the depot. It 
is but a short walk from the depot to most of the hotels, boarding-houses 
and springs. 



176 visitors' guide. 

Hotels. 
The hotels of Saratoga are probably the largest in the world. These 
immense brick buildings are graceful and imposing in appearance. They 
are richly furnished with taste and elegance, and have all the modern 
accessories of comfort and convenience. Elevators are constantly in 
operation ; gas, bells and water pipes communicate with each set of apart- 
ments. Broad piazzas, supplied with easy chairs, face the gay panoramic 
view on Broadway, and also sweep around the inner courts with their 
beautiful lawns, cooling fountains and fine shade trees. A first-class band 
of music is employed by each hotel, not only to furnish dancing music for 
the balls, hops and morning " Germans," but to give each day a piazza or 
parlor concert of classical music, A programme of these concerts is 
published daily in The Saratogian, and they form one of the most de- 
lightful features of Saratoga life. 

The United States Hotel contains 1,100 rooms, and capacity for 
2,000 guests. It offers an especial advantage to visitors in the large number 
of its cottages and full suites of rooms having a private entrance, numerous 
connecting rooms, large closets and bath-rooms appropriated to each. In 
these rooms are combined the seclusion and repose of family life with the 
ease and luxury of hotel living. The cottage halls and parlor windows open 
upon large piazzas, which face the beautiful lawn ; the whole forming a mag- 
nificent interior view. The enormous halls, the reading-rooms and smaller 
parlors of the house are but introductory to the recherche effect of the grand 
drawing-room. Far surpassing the parlor of the old United States Hotel as 
this room does, it but suggests to many old-time frequenters of the former 
the charming days when the dite of the whole country met there during 
each successive "season." They came together with the sure and pleasant 
expectation each of finding the other in his accustomed place, except when 
death stepped in and left a theme of regretful sentiment to be dwelt upon by 
the survivors. 

The traditional flavor of the old aristocratic element still lingers about 
the United States, and is constantly strengthened by its present visitors, 
that more numerous throng of cultivated and high-toned people who 
gladly leave their city homes to refresh themselves with country pleasures 
and metropolitan comforts. 

The Grand Union Hotel has a frontage of 1,364 feet on Broadway, 
and its fine central tower commands a magnificent view of the surrounding 
country and distant mountains. The hotel will accommodate 1,800 guests, 
and is deservedly popular and delightful. 

Congress Hall can receive 1,000 guests. It is a first-class hotel in all 



VISITOES' GUroE. 177 

its appointments. Its picturesque bridge, thrown across Spring street, and 
connecting the hotel with the ball-room, when brilliantly lighted, is one of the 
most beautiful gaslight views of Saratoga. It is on the site of the old and 
famous hotel of the same name which was burned in 1866, and is built in the 
most substantial manner of brick, with brown-stone trimmings, and presents 
a graceful architectural appearance. Its walls are 20 inches thick and 
hollow in the center, insuring safety and an even temperature. 

The rooms of Congress Hall are all larger, and therefore afford pleasanter 
and more healthy apartments than can be found elsewhere. Its genial 
and accomplished landlord, Colonel Clement, who served bravely as an 
oflficer in President Harrison's regiment during the late war, is so well known 
throughout the country that his name alone insures a charming company 
and a full house. 

The Clarendon fronts Congress Park, and will accommodate 500 
guests, and is a favorite summer home for many of the best families of New 
York City. 

The Adelphi Hotel. This new brick hotel adjoins the United States. 
It is one of the oldest and most popular houses of Saratoga. 

Remedial Institute, Sylvester S. Strong, M. D. This is an unique 
institution, combining in a novel manner the pleasant features of the sani- 
tarium, the hotel and the private boarding-house. 

The Kenmore, on North Broadway, corner of Van Dam street, is a most 
comfortable family hotel for all the year around. Heated throughout 
with steam, well carpeted, a model of cleanliness, with ample piazzas, it is a 
delightful home, summer or winter, 

Walworth Mansion, also a family hotel on North Broadway, is a most 
desirable abiding place at all seasons. Its historic associations, and the 
atmosphere of home-like hospitality that seems to pervade its premises, 
render it peculiarly interesting to strangers. It presents a broad front to 
the summer shade and winter sunshine, and its grounds afford amusement 
with tennis court, croquet grounds, summer-house, etc. It is heated in 
every room with steam. 

The WoRDEN, Victoria, Aldine, American, Waverley, Holden 
House, Windsor, Columbian, Everett, are excellent hotels on Broadway. 
The Continental, Vermont and many others are pleasantly situated on 
other streets. 

Boarding-Houses. 

The Balch House, Garden View, Mrs. Dr. Putnam's delightful home, 
The Willoughby, Broadway Hall and Washington Hall, on Broadway, 



178 visitors' guide. 

are houses long established and favorably known. There are many other 
good houses on Broadway and other streets that are to be found equally 
desirable. 

The Albanian, corner of Philadelphia and Regent streets, is a house well 
known for comfort, refinement and good living. Some of the charms of 
old Albany and a newer life in Saratoga are happily blended. It is open 
summer and winter. 

The Saratoga Sanitarium, made famous when first established by the 
renown of its consulting physician, maintains its high reputation. 

Dr. Hamilton's Medical Institute offers a pleasant and refined 
home, with many advantages to invalids; it is on Franklin street. Teft's is 
a large and comfortable house on the same street. 

Temple Grove Seminary for young ladies is an excellent institution of 
learning, and during the season it is a delightful boarding-house, with its 
ample grounds and pleasant rooms, to which guests are welcomed by its 
cultured proprietors. 

The Public Schools are of a high standard ; the High School 
affords admirable facilities for a preparation for college. 

The AthenjEum, a public reading-room and library, is one of the im- 
portant features of Saratoga life. Here, for fifty cents a month or five 
dollars a year, may be had all leading magazines and many newspapers. 
Books may also be taken from the library. The rooms are pleasant and 
quiet, looking on Broadway, near Caroline street, and are in charge of 
an intelligent and painstaking librarian. 

The Pompeia, a grand Roman house, illustrating the art, architec- 
ture, mythology and customs of the Roman Empire, affords one of the 
most remarkable exhibits ever displayed. It consists in a reproduction 
of the House of Pansa at Pompeii, buried by Vesuvius, A. D. 79. Here 
Mr. Franklin W. Smith, who was the originator of a return to the Moorish 
or Spanish style of architecture in St. Augustine, Florida, and of the peculiar 
construction |of the new buildings there, is the owner of this Pompeia. 
Upon it he has expended not only money and labor, but he has devoted 
years of study and travel to this subject with earnest enthusiasm, and has 
thus succeeded in producing a work of art and a source of education which 
must be seen to be appreciated. 

The Mineral Springs. 
In an irregular valley, several miles in length, lie the Mineral 
Springs of Saratoga" county. The most noted are within the limits 
that terminate at the Excelsior and Union Springs towards the northeast, 



VISITORS GUIDE. 1 79 

and the Geyser, with other spouting springs, towards the south. The valley 
winds through the village of Saratoga Springs, between the two principal 
streets, Broadway and Circular, crossing the latter near the Empire, and the 
former near the Congress Springs. 

This valley is at the base of the great chains of mountains towards the 
northwest. Beneath it is a " fault " or fracture in the earth's crust, which 
penetrates several geological strata. " The rocks on the west side of the 
* fault ' are hundreds of feet above those on the east side." This dis- 
placement prevents the free flow of waters past the "fault," the Hudson 
river slates being here opposed to the lower silurian rocks; and thus are 
thrown towards the earth's surface not only the mineral springs that sur- 
prise and delight us, but vast numbers of sparkling fresh water springs of 
unrivaled purity and power. 

The High Rock Spring is the historic spring of Saratoga. It was 
known to the Indians before a white man trod this continent, and their 
sick were frequently brought to the " Medicine Spring of the Great 
Spirit." The first white man who visited the spring was a sick French 
officer, who was brought by the Indians from Fort Carillon. 

In 1767, Sir William Johnson was carried to the spring on a litter, the 
Indians having persuaded him that the waters would be a sure remedy for the 
serious illness he frequently suffered in consequence of an old wound. In 
1783, General Philip Schuyler opened a road from the Fish Kill, through 
the forest, to the spring, near which he raised a tent, and lived in it during 
the summer. The next season he put up the first frame house that was built 
at the springs. 

Considered medicinally, the waters of this spring are among the very 
best of the mineral fountains of Saratoga, and many old residents prefer 
them to any others. The especial feature of this spring, however, is its 
remarkable geological formation. " It is one of the greatest natural curiosities 
in the world — perhaps the most remarkable specimen of its kind upon the 
whole face of the earth." It can be reached by descending into the valley 
from Rock street down a long but easy flight of steps, or by walking a few 
rods around the hill by the Empire Spring. The rock is nearly four feet in 
height above the surface of the ground, and over twenty-four feet in circum- 
ference at the base. The spring bubbles up through an aperture in the 
center of the rock, remaining ten inches below the top, where the opening is 
one foot in diameter. The walls of the rock are of nearly uniform thick- 
ness. The spring formerly overflowed this rock, which has been formed 
from the mineral deposits of the water. " The mineral substances held in 
solution in the springs with the carbonic acid gas are magnesia, lime and 
iron; these substances, together with others furnished from materials about 



l8o VISITOKS' GuroE. 

the spring, such as leaves, twigs, nuts and shells of snails, compose the 
High Rock. The phenomenon is not an isolated instance of this kind of 
formation at the springs of Saratoga, A large amount of this deposit was 
thrown down at the Flat Rock Spring, and at the mouth of the Empire 
there was a deposit of tufa, about the size of a two-quart bowl, with an 
aperture of two-inches." These deposits are always going on, but they 
seldom repose long enough to accumulate and be cemented together. 
The position of the Congress Spring in the side of the rock, from which it 
made a rapid descent into the creek just below, prevented any such 
accumulation. 

The water of the High Rock Spring is of uniform quality, and an excellent 
tonic; it is also bottled on an extensive scale. 

Congress Spring and Park, corner of Broadway and Congress streets. 
Let us revert for a moment to Saratoga Springs in the past. It is August, 
1792. Near the High Rock Spring stand two rude log houses, to which 
rough additions have been made which convert them into taverns for 
the accommodation of visitors to the one spring then known [in this locality; 
in the rear of these houses is a quaint blacksmith's shop, built of heavy 
stone. Not far distant, embowered by the primitive forest, is the simple 
summer house of General Philip Schuyler, consisting of two rooms, 
with a large stone fireplace and chimney between them. A mile to the west 
is the " clearing " of Gideon Putnam. A few visitors are gathered at the 
little taverns. They come to use the waters of the " great medicine spring " 
of traditional renown, the High Rock; some of the gentlemen being 
attracted simply by the fine hunting and fishing to be enjoyed in the vicinity. 
The dense forest, the abundance and variety of game, and the repose of the 
wilderness appealed more strongly to the men of that day than to those of 
the present time. 

We can easily imagine the sense of freedom and invigorated life with 
which the statesman and merchant of '92, already familiar from boyhood 
with the use of gun, boat and horse, would hasten to the forest " spring " 
for a few weeks of rest and refreshment. Among such visitors was Governor 
John Taylor Gilman, of New Hampshire, who had been a delegate to the 
Continental Congress. "On a sunny afternoon he took his gun and 
wandered from the High Rock up the creek into the deep woods in search 
of game. Coming to a little waterfall he found at the foot of it a small 
jet of sparkling water issuing from the rocky bank of the stream ; stooping 
down to drink he found this little sparkling jet, no bigger than a pipe stem, 
to be mineral water. He hastened back to his boarding place and made 
known his discovery. Every person in the settlement was soon at the foot 
of that cascade in the deep, wild woods, wondering at the curious spectacle. 



visrroEs' guide. i8i 

You could almost count them all on your fingers. There was Risley, prop- 
rietor of one of the log houses, and his family, and Bryant, the patriot 
scout of the Revolution, who owned the other one. There were also 
General Schuyler, Dr. Blakesley, Gideon Putnam, a brother of Governor 
Gilman, with a few more guests of the log taverns. There, too, was Indian 
Joe, from his clearing on the hill, where the Clarendon now stands, and some 
of his swarthy brethren from their huts near the High Rock, wondering 
at the strange commotion among the pale-faces at the little waterfall in 
the brook. 

" They all, gathering around it, each in turn tasted the water of the newly 
found fountain. They pronounced it of superior quality, and they named it 
then and there the Congress Spring, to compliment its distinguished dis- 
coverer, and in honor of the old Continental Congress, of which he had been 
a member." 

Such was the beginning of the reputation of the great spring, which has 
been and must continue to be a living fountain of joy to Saratoga — her 
treasure and her pride — her Kohinoor ! How pure, how cencentrated and how 
firmly fixed must the elements be that compose this generous fountain of 
health, nestling as it does in the very midst of a bed of fresh, pure waters ! 
The amphitheatre-like knolls around it are bursting forth and brimming 
over, by nature, at every crevice with great jets of fresh water. Before 
improvements were begun these waters permeated the marshy basin beneath, 
which, though dense with vegetation, still held them caressingly, and only 
reluctantly allowed them to flow off in a little stream through the valley. 

In 1804 the spring was found insufficient for the demands made upon it. 
Gideon Putnam, who then owned it, thought he saw indications of gas in 
the creek some distance from the spring, which he deemed might indicate 
its original source. He turnedthe bed of the creek and found his sup- 
position correct ; a large stream flowed from this place. He immediately 
sunk a strong wooden tube, which secured it for forty years, and it has 
seldom been in need of repairs. 

The improved method of bottling the Congress water has greatly 
increased its value, as will be readily recognized by those familiar with it in 
the past, or by any one who will look through the bottles at the transparent, 
sparkling fluid. Although the best known processes were used for bottling, 
they all involved the loss of some of the gases by pumping or otherwise 
disturbing the water. The bottling is now done several feet below the 
surface of the ground, where the water runs naturally from the spring. 

Columbian Spring. This is a tonic spring, and many patients who are 
suffering from general debility are sent by their physicians to Saratoga to 
obtain the benefit of this water. 



1 82 VISITORS GUIDE. 

Excelsior Spring and Park. This spring, with its surrounding park, is 
about three-quarters of a mile northeast of the village. The park embraces 
that beautiful portion of Saratoga Springs which was known for many 
years as "The Valley of the Ten Springs," witji the table land lying on 
either side of the valley. The high ground commands fine views of the 
mountains of Vermont and of those around Lake George. The fine, 
natural forest of the park affords the most delightful rambles, with some 
beautiful woodland views. This is pre-eminently "the walk" outside of the 
village, and can be made long or short, according to the path chosen. 

The Excelsior Spring is remarkable for its crystaline purity, its min- 
eral substances being held in such perfect solution that "seeing is [not] 
believing," but one must taste the water to receive assurance that the 
long list of chemicals — sodium, lime, magnesia, iron, etc., are really within 
its transparency. This, the most important of the "Ten Springs," was 
retubed with great care in 1859. The excavation was made to the " Trenton lime 
rock, where the mineral water from five different points flowed into the well." 

The Excelsior only needs to be known to be appreciated. The water 
is sparkling and delightful to the taste, its medicinal effects are active and its 
surroundings charming. It is bottled without sediment, and any visitor who 
enjoys getting at the "bottom facts " of things, and all those who recognize 
scientific thoroughness and honorable earnestness, will do well to inspect 
the ways and means used in bottling at this spring by the Messrs. Lawrence 
Bros. These gentlemen were the first to devise and put into effect the new 
method of bottling — carrying on this work below the surface of the ground, 
on a level with the spring, and thus leaving its gases undisturbed, instead 
of forcing the water of the spring up, for the convenience of the work. They 
have also invented a new process of supplying spring water on draught, 
by which it can be drawn from the fountain of the druggist, pure and 
unadulterated, as it came from the spring. Heretofore, even when the 
genuine water was supplied by such fountains, it was found necessary to 
charge it with artificial gases. To avoid this objectionable feature has been 
an object of much thought and many experiments. Mr. Lawrence suc- 
ceeded in obviating this difficulty by means of block-tin-lined reservoirs, 
filled by hydrostatic pressure and perfectly gas tight. These reservoirs or 
barrels are made on the premises, at the Excelsior, and are shipped to 
druggists, under special contract that no artificial gas or other substance 
shall be mixed with the water. A simple mechanism enables the druggist 
to attach the reservoir to the fountain; and when the water is exhausted, the 
reservoir is returned to the spring to be refilled. This is an improvement 
in the use of mineral waters that will be highly esteemed by the public as 
soon as it is generally understood. 



visitors' guide. 183 

Empire Spring. This is one of the noted springs of the place, and is in 
the northern part of the village, just in the depth of the valley; behind it 
is a bold face of limestone formation. The water of this valuable mineral 
spring had been noted long before any attempt was made to utilize it. 
About thirty years ago, however, it was provided with a tube, so that the 
waters that had been trickling away uselessly for ages might be secured. 
Since then it has been used on the spot by thousands, and is bottled in 
large quantities. It vies with the Congress Spring in its qualities, which 
it resembles in some respects, but for other properties its admirers claim a 
superiority. 

Washington Spring. The peculiar virtue of this spring is its tonic prop- 
erty. Its waters are largely impregnated with iron and with carbonic 
acid gas, that render it pleasantly exhilarating. 

The Kissengen is a fine effervescent spring water, said to be especially 
beneficial in cases of insomnia. 

The Red Spring is near the Empire, and is an acknowledged remedy for 
skin diseases, and is in demand for weak eyes. It is efficacious for external 
use and has extensive bath-houses where it can be used freely and with 
convenience. It is also bottled and sold in large quantities. 

Geyser Spouting Spring. On the way to Ballston, about a mile and a 
half from the village, one of the most remarkable mineral springs issuing 
from the laboratory of chemical compounds that makes Saratoga's celebrity, 
may be found. This is the Geyser Spring, which was recently discov- 
ered. A shaft of 140 feet deep was sunk below the surface rock, and when 
the spring was reached, instantaneously its waters spouted with unre- 
strained force high up in the air. With unabated vigor the fountain still 
plies its action. The water is thrown to the height of twenty-five feet. 
It has acquired great popularity, and may be found for sale extensively 
throughout the Union. 

Champion Spring. This is a beautiful spouting spring near the Geyser; 
it is uncovered, and may be easily seen from passing trains on the railroad, 
throwing its sparkling jets into the air during the summer, or stealing silently 
over its gorgeous surroundings of ice-bound spray during the winter; at 
this season it is a rare and beautiful sight, with its tent-like pyramid of 
frozen waters, colored a rich brown from the mineral deposit. 

Vichy Spring. This is also a spouting spring, near the shofe of the 
Geyser Lake, of admirable mineral properties, and is rapidly gaining favor 
with the public. It is on draught by all best druggists in New York City, 
and in good demand; it is extensively bottled. 

Triton Spring. This is another of the spouting springs, and is situated 



1 84 visitors' guide. 

on the opposite side of Gpyser Lake from the Vichy ; it also has good min- 
eral properties. 

The Favorite Spring on Lake avenue and the Imperial spring have 
excellent qualtities. 

The Patterson Spring on Philadelphia street has a well-earned 
popularity. 

The Royal Spring, obtained by deep boring, is very fine, and is bottled 
in large quantities. 

Pavilion Spring and United States Spring. A stranger might inad- 
vertantly pass by the place of these two springs, from the secluded locality in 
which they are hidden in a valley, a few feet from Broadway, off Spring 
Avenue, did not a guiding sign direct his steps to the Pavilion Spring and 
Park. Although dwelling under a common roof, these two springs give 
expression to their distinct origins, for they differ very much in their prop- 
erties. A bottling establishment is connected with these springs. 

Hamilton Spring is on Spring street, at the corner of Putnam street, 
in the rear of Congress Hall, It has valuable properties common to others. 
It is curiously said that, " Persons suffering from * a cold ' should not 
drink this water." The visitor desirous of learning the fitness of things, 
may find entertaining occupation in seeking a good reason for this caution. 

White Sulphur Spring. Following out Lake avenue to about a mile 
east from Broadway, the tourist will discover the White Sulphur Spring. 
The clear, bright waters emitted from this spring lay claim to all the merits 
vaunted for sulphur springs anywhere in the land. Stages run hourly 
between the White Sulphur Spring and the village, furnishing comfortable 
conveyance to all who desire to experience the benefits of the sulphureted 
water, whether taken internally as a beverage, or used as a bath; for the 
purposes of the latter a commodious bath house, with all convenience of 
rooms for hot and cold sulphur baths, is supplied. The Eureka Spring is 
near the White Sulphur. 

The Saratoga Carlsbad is a " spouter," and is thought efficacious 
in diseases of the kidneys and liver; it is among the best of the springs of 
later discovery. 

Hathorn Spring. This spring is situated on Spring street, a few steps 
from Broadway. It was discovered accidentally in 1869, and carefully 
tubed in 1872. It has acquired a sudden popularity, and is bottled in large 
quantities. It is strongly cathartic, and is said to be used with good 
effect in cases of rheumatism. It contains valuable properties, and its recent 
discovery is a proof of the unfailing source of Saratoga's treasure-house of 
mineral waters. 



TISITOES' GUIDE. 1 85 

Star Spring. This spring has been wedded to the interests of different 
owners, who have manifested their favor for it with various names. 
Within the fifty years that its remedial virtues have been appropriated, 
it has been called the President, the Iodine, and last, the Star Spring. It 
was tubed in 1835, and during the last ten or twelve years has risen in 
public estimation. 

Putnam Spring is near Henry street, and has a bathing establish- 
ment connected with it, for the external use of the waters. 

Seltzer Spring is near the High Rock Spring, and its properties are 
similar to the famous German " Seltzer." 

Saratoga A. Spring is above the Empire on Spring street. It is a deli- 
cious beverage, clear and cold, and a valuable mineral spring. 

Magnetic Spring. This is a newly discovered spring near the High 
Rock, and it has some peculiar properties. 

A Few Pleasant Walks. 
{See Map of the Village of Saratoga Springs?) 

I. The length of Broadway, north and south, as far as the shade trees 
extend, including a visit to Congress Park, or the Indian Camp and 
Pleasure Grove, near South Broadway. 

II. Wood Lawn. From North Broadway turn into Greenfield avenue, 
opposite Rock street, and thence into Wood Lawn avenue, which leads direct 
to the Wood Lawn estate. From the slope in front of the house there is a 
fine view of the surrounding mountains and the distant peaks of the Cats- 
kills. The magnificent Park which forms a part of this estate is so well 
known as to require but brief mention. Although private property, it is 
hospitably open to pedestrians and to carriages. 

III. A stroll through Green Ridge Cemetery, along Circular street as 
far as the Empire Spring, and a short distance out Spring avenue to the 
Red Spring. 

IV. Excelsior Woods. From Circular street, where it begins to wind 
down the hill to the Empire Spring, turn up York avenue, which leads 
directly to the woods, through which a delightful, shady path winds down to 
the Excelsior, Union and Minnehaha Springs. 

Another way of reaching Excelsior Woods is to walk out Lake avenue, 
and turn to the left at East avenue. 

V. Each of the mineral springs in the village should be visited in turn, 
besides which there are many quiet, shady streets of residences, both east 
and west of Broadway, which the pedestrian stranger will enjoy hunting up 
at leisure. 



1 86 visitors' guide. 

Short Drives From Saratoga Springs. 
{See Map of Drives in the Vicinity of Saratoga Springs^ 

Omnibuses run from Broadway to Saratoga Lake, to the White Sulphur 
Spring at the south end of the Lake, the Geyser and other spouting springs, 
Excelsior and Ten Springs, Eureka and White Sulphur Springs. 

Light Vehicles, suitable for country excursions, and luxurious Car- 
riages are advantageously obtained at the United States Livery and at the 
Congress Hall Livery. 

To Saratoga Lake (four miles southeast). This is the fashionable 
drive from Saratoga Springs. The principal road is Union avenue, which is 
an extension of Congress street. It is a broad boulevard with a double row of 
trees in the center, and is kept sprinkled along its entire extent during the 
" season." It passes the race course, and leads directly to Moon's Lake 
House, and Tolime's House, where the famous " Saratoga Lake potatoes " 
are ordered with ice cream and refreshing drinks, A pleasant feature of the 
drive is the contrast between the repose and beauty of the distant Green 
Mountains, and the excitement and interest of watching the quick succession 
of brilliant equipages that dash past. Lake avenue, another road to the 
Lake, leaves Broadway at the Town Hall and forks off at the old Half Way 
House (now called Freeman's Hotel), the right hand road running into Union 
avenue and thence to the Lake House. The drive back from the lake may 
be varied by continuing along the lake shore from Moon's, and taking the 
south road to the village (the first turn to the right). This road winds past 
romantic little Lake Lonely, and crosses its outlet at the Red Bridge. The 
village is reached either by turning into Nelson street or South Broadway. 

To THE Geyser and Spouting Springs. (One mile and a half southwest.) 
By continuing the last mentioned drive about a mile farther instead of turn- 
ing into Broadway, Geyser Lake and the Spouting Springs are reached. But 
the most direct route there and back is by Ballston avenue, which leaves 
Broadway diagonally, one block south of the Clarendon Hotel. It passes 
near the glass works, which may be visited at the same time. 

LouGHBERRV Lake Drive (three miles) and the Excelsior (one mile 
northeast). After driving to Glen Mitchell those who would enjoy a quiet, 
picturesque drive of a few miles should turn to the right, pass Maple avenue 
and drive on round the shore of Loughberry Lake, turn into Spring avenue, 
which passes the water works and gas works, or drive through Excelsior Park, 
the Ten Spring Valley — stop at the Excelsior for a cool, sparkling drink, and 
then back by Lake avenue. 

To the Poplar Tree on Prospect Ridge. (About five miles north- 
west.) If not the finest of all, this is certainly one of the most beautiful drives 



visitors' guide. 187 

within a convenient distance of the village, though it is not so well known 
as those hitherto described. The moment the open country is reached the 
scenery is charming. The Kayaderosseras range of mountains is seen to the 
west, while along the northern horizon runs an unbroken ridge of the Green- 
field hills (designated on the map as Prospect Ridge), on the crest of which a 
solitary poplar tree stands out prominently against the sky. This tree is the 
object toward which the drive is directed. When the road begins to ascend 
the ridge, the views constantly increasing in scope and beauty, it is lost sight 
of and next appears when it is only a short distance in front. The poplar 
should be reached, if possible, just at sunset, when the whole scene is enchant- 
ing. But to return to more practical directions. From Broadway turn into 
Van Dam or Church streets, either of which leads into Waring Avenue, a 
broad, even road. At the first cross road after leaving the village (Granger's 
Four Corners) turn to the right. In a short distance the road divides, but 
follow the left hand road, and passing through Locust Grove Corners, do not 
turn until the Adirondack Railroad is crossed. Here the road rises rapidly 
over several hills near Darrow's farm, from each of which the view is very 
fine. Saratoga Lake and Snake Hill are plainly discernable. When visitors 
ask to go to Prospect Hill they are frequently brought here. (The real Pros- 
pect Hill is designated on the Map of Drives as Haggerty Hill, which is its 
local name.) The entire drive to the poplar, as here given, is over a good, 
smooth road. After leaving Darrow's take the first turn to the right, and the 
solitary poplar will soon appear. The view from the carriage is good, but a 
walk across the field to the tree will give a better one. A few rods east of the 
poplar a road turns to the right, passes near Granite Lake, and leads into the 
road to Glen Mitchell. It is a little rougher than the other, but makes a beau- 
tiful and shorter return drive. Instead of going on to Glen Mitchell, a diag- 
onal turn to the right near Denton's brings one into Greenfield avenue. 

Long Drives. 

(On these expeditions it would be well to take the Map of Drives, and by 
noticing the cross roads and the forks the roads are easily found. To pre- 
vent confusion, on so small a map only the most important or direct roads 
are given, the others being indicated merely as branching off from them. 
Care has been taken to give the local names of places; most of the hills being 
named after the farmers who lived upon them, so that if necessary directions 
can be asked at farm-houses along the road. A field-glass should be taken on 
drives or expeditions to hills from which there are distant views.) 

Mount McGregor. (Eight miles north). Drive out to Glen Mitchell, 
turn to the right, then take the first road to the left (opposite Maple avenue). 
From here the road follows the eastern base of the Palmertown Range, to 



1 88 visitors' guide. 

which Mount McGregor belongs, and which extends from Glen Mitchell to 
Lake George; at the first fork in the road keep to the left, at the second to 
the right, and drive on to Doe's Corners. Here a winding, rugged road leads 
up the Mount to the Balmoral Hotel, where a lunch or dinner can be 
obtained, and near which is the Look-Off. When it can be said that the view 
from this point, though on a smaller scale, is similar to the one from the 
Mountain House on the Catskills, no one will doubt that it is well worth see- 
ing. Besides the ranges of mountains that skirt the horizon, which sweeps 
around in a vast semi-circle — Glens Falls, Fort Edward, Sandy Hill, Schuyler- 
ville, Saratoga village and lake, and Willard's Mountain, overlooking the 
Battle Ground, are plainly discernable, while Bennington lies off among the 
hills on the east side of the Hudson. To one who has already visited or 
intends to visit the historic spots in this region, there is an especial interest in 
thus seeing at a glance the great theater of the many and brilliant military 
movements of Burgoyne's campaign — his marches, his defeats, his surrender. 

An easier, and to a majority of visitors a more agreeable, way of visiting 
Mount McGregor is by rail over the picturesque and skillfully engineered 
mountain railroad. The station is on North Broadway, above Van Dam street, 
and the trains are frequent. A fine hotel crowns the top of the mountain. A 
pilgrimage to the cottage in which General Grant died, gives a pathetic, though 
heroic interest to the place, for on no field of battle was his unconquerable 
spirit more marked than in his prolonged contest with death. 

The Greenfield Hills — Prospect Ridge. (Round trip about eighteen 
miles northwest). Drive out Waring avenue, pass Granger's Four Corners 
without turning either to the right or left, and then take the first road to the 
left, near a school-house, to reach Hickock's Hill. This road is steep, and 
winds over some slippery rocks, making it a dangerous place for horses. It 
would be well to ascend the hill on foot. The view is best seen from the front 
of Newell's cottage. Widow Smith's Hill is reached either by continuing on 
past Hickock's House and taking the first road to the left, or by returning to 
the school-house and driving through Splinterville, which is a very small ville 
indeed, and then turning to the left. From the Widow Smith's drive on to 
the first cross road and turn to the right to reach Haggerty or Prospect Hill, 
which is six miles from the village. Then drive on through Greenfield Center, 
past the poplar tree and on to Eli Stiles', from whose place there is another 
fine view. Here there are four corners. Turn to the right and follow the 
road along by the Palmertown Hills to Glen Mitchell. 

Lake Desolation. (About twelve miles northwest). Follow Greenfield 
or Waring avenue into the South Greenfield road, thence on past Widow 
Smith's house, near which there is a fine view, to Jamesville (or Middle Grove). 
From there drive north and west to Chatfield's Corners and turn sharply to 



visitors' QcriDE. 189 

the left. From here to the lake the road is rough and up hill, the scenery 
desolate as the name of the lake suggests, and the distant views magnificent. 
Near the Seely place, on the way, there is a watering trough, supplied from 
a fresh water spring, remarkable both for its volume and its quality. 

White Sulphur Spring Park and Hotel. (Eight miles southwest). 
Drive out to Saratoga Lake, down the hill behind Moon's to Tolime's House, 
thence across the bridge and along the lake shore — a lovely drive — to the far 
side of Snake Hill, where the White Sulphur Spring, Hotel and Park are 
situated. 

From the White Sulphur Spring there is a road to Bemis' Heights (see 
Map of Drives), thence along the Hudson River to Stillwater, and on to 
Mechanicsville, through which the Rensselaer and Saratoga Railroad passes. 

Round Lake. (Twelve miles south). Round Lake, the great camp- 
meeting ground, can be reached by carriage from the road between Ballston 
and the White Sulphur Spring by turning south through Dunning's Corners 
and Malta. It is only a few minutes' ride on the cars from Saratoga to either 
of these places. Here a summer school has been established with remarkable 
success and is conducted by eminent scholars. 

Chapman's Hill (five miles southeast) from which there is a fine view, is 
reached by turning sharply to the left at the first road which leaves the lake 
shore after crossing the bridge from Tolime's House, and keeping straight 
up the hill past the Chapman House. 

Wagman's Hill (seven miles southeast) is about three miles farther from 
the Lake Shore road. After mounting Chapman's Hill, turn to the left at two 
different cross roads, and keep right on till the hill beyond the school-house is 
mounted. The views are beautiful all the way from Chapman's Hill to 
Wagman's, and the road passes through an unusually fine farming region. 
From Wagman's Hill a road to the left leads to Stafford's Bridge, and thence 
to Saratoga Springs, either by Moon's Lake House, or the Schuylerville road. 
Another road from the Hill leads direct to Schuylerville. 

Waring Hill (about fourteen miles and a half northwest). "The boldest 
and most imposing view, within a convenient drive from the Springs, is 
Waring Hill, on the road to Mount Pleasant, one of the highest points of land 
between the valley of the Hudson and Lake Ontario. This view includes the 
villages of Saratoga, Ballston Spa, Schenectady, Waterford, Mechanicsville, 
Schuylerville, Saratoga Lake, Fish Creek, Owl Pond, Ballston Lake and Round 
Lake, together with the winding stream of Kayaderosseras, from its source in 
the sides of the mountain to its entrance into Saratoga Lake, and the whole 
course of the Hudson, from its confluence with the Sacondaga until it is lost 
in the midst of the Catskill Mountains. This view is obtained by a drive up 
the Hadley Plank Road of about eight miles ; thence along the Mount 



190 VISITOK8 GUIDE. 

Pleasant Plank Road nearly up to the foot of Waring Hill, six miles ; thence 
to the right by a mountain road for half a mile. At this point the carriages 
are to be left, and Waring Hill, of three hundred feet, is to be ascended on 
foot. The excursion may be made between the breakfast and dinner hours 
with great ease. A good glass is important, for many of the villages are not 
to be seen distinctly by the naked eye."* 

Corinth Falls (fifteen miles north), " Another drive is Corinth Falls in 
the Hudson River, about one mile from Jessup's Landing. In order to view 
the falls from the Luzerne side, it is necessary to cross the river at the 
landing, and drive to the top of the bluff, which rises one hundred feet above 
the falls, or to the bank of the river below them." * 

Luzerne (twenty-two miles north). 

Glens Falls (nineteen miles northeast). 

Lake George (about thirty miles north). Those who have private car- 
riages, or who prefer driving to the regular railroad routes, can make a pleas- 
ant trip to Luzerne and the Falls of the Hudson by the old stage road. 
There are several roads to Glens Falls and Fort Edward. In the autumn, 
when the woods are aglow with color, a delightful trip can be made to Glens 
Falls by carriage, and thence to the foot of Lake George. 

The mineral spring at Ballston Spa, which rendered it a popular resort 
during the first half of this century, was unknown to the Indians, and undis- 
covered by the whites until 1771. At this time Benagar Douglas, father of 
Senator Stephen A. Douglas, came as a pioneer settler to the spring. He 
soon afterward built a tavern which was the first of a large number erected in 
the following years, and culminating in the famous Sans Souci Hotel built in 
1803 and destroyed in 1890. 

About the same time a prominent settler, for whom Ballston was named, 
located near the spring, the Rev. Eliphalet Ball, a third cousin of George 
Washington. His son John was a colonel in the Continental Army and his 
daughter Mary became the wife of General James Gordon, who was in active 
service during the Revolution. General Gordon was taken prisoner by the 
Tories in a cruel raid upon Ballston in 1780. He had just returned from a 
session of the Legislature at Poughkeepsie and was sleeping peacefully in his 
home (which was opposite the beautiful and well-known country seat, " Rose 
Hill," the residence of the late Judge James Thompson), when he was sud- 
denly awakened by the thrusting of bayonets through the windows of his 
bed-room. The Indians accompanying the Tories attempted to tomahawk 
General Gordon, but were checked by a white officer who took him prisoner. 
Two other men and three negro slaves were taken with him ; other houses 
were invaded and many prisoners taken ; houses and barns were burned and 

* Dr. Allen's Hand-Book of Saratoga. 



VISITORS GUIDE. I9I 

a scene of indiscriminate plunder ensued. These prisoners were taken to 
Canada and removed from Quebec to the Isle of Orleans. 

Ballston suffered another raid of a similar character in the following year, 
1 781, and the prisoners taken then were also conveyed to the Isle of Orleans, 
and thus in the bonds of anguish were the old neighbors of Ballston strangely 
united, proving that " truth is stronger than fiction." Together they effected 
an escape, and after enduring many hardships they reached Boston to find 
that peace had been declared. 

Ballston is picturesquely located on the Kayaderosseras and encompassed 
by hills, which command imposing views ; her adjacent farms are fertile and 
highly cultivated, and embrace the renowned " five-mile square " selected by 
the early surveyors of the Kayaderosseras patent to remunerate them for 
their services. 

Ballston has large paper mills and other factories, and it is the summer 
home of many families whose traditions date back to its historical days. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



SARATOGA SPRINGS, N. Y. 




OPEK FROM JUNE TO OCTOBER. 

Location on BROADWAY and occupying the entire block between the celebrated 
Hathorn and Congress Springs. 

Accommodation, looo guests. Rates, $3.00 to $5.00 per day, according to location of 
room. 

Special Bates made by the week. Organization and management from the famous 
Lakewood. 

H. S. CLEMENT, 

Manager. 



q' he Saratoga Real gstate Qffioe }^ 

COMKLING & KWAPP, 



Special Attention glTcn to Renting of Furnished Cottages for 

the Season. 
Commissions are Dae and Payable when Contracts or Leases 

are Signed. 



No. 6 Post Office Arcade, 
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N. Y. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



THE SARATOCIAN. 

Dailj; and W)eel^lj;. 

The Oldest and Most IJVidely Circulated ^Vatering 

Place Journal Published in the 

United States. 

CTHE SARATOGIAN is on file in most of the leading 
American and European Summer resorts, and in London, 
Paris and Berlin. It publishes Hotel, College and Society 
personals, with full daily arrivals at all the hotels. An un- 
rivaled advertising medium. 

The Oldest Nev^^spaper in Saratoga. 
W. A. McELWAIN, 

Manager. 



SARATOGA BOOK STORE, 



4-10 Broadway, 
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N. Y. 



White Holly Fancy Goods, with Views of Schuylerville Monument ; Saratoga Views also. 
Mt. McGregor Souvenirs. Guide Books, Games, Toys, School Books, Family Bibles, 
Photograph Albums, Birthday and Reward Cards. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



V 



AliWQRTH MANS19N 




ME WALWORTH MANSION. 



N0RTH BROADWAY, 

SARATeSA SPRINGS, 
NEW Y0RK. 



This house has always been patronized by a select class of 
guests, and it will continue to be conducted in strictly first-class 
style, and every effort made to maintain its high reputation. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



Life and Times 

OF 

KATERI TEKAKWITHA. 

"The Lily of the Mohawl<s"-I656-I680. 



BY MISS ELLEN H. WALWORTH, 

Author of ^' An Old World as Seen Through Youjig Eyes." 



This work is. as the title would indicate, a hiography and a history. It shows along 
and careful study of the life and surroundings of the Indian maiden, " Tckakwitha," and 
much consultation also with living historians who have taken interest in this and kin- 
dred subjects. 

The Toronto Globe says : " This is a charmingly written story. The word painting is, in many in- 
stances, powerful, while the gentle character of the Indian maiden, and the peaceful country of the long-dead 
Indians, is pictured in realistic sentences." 

John Gilmary Shea says: " Kateri Tekakwitha, known heretofore mainly to scholars in this land, 
will now be known, loved and venerated by the thousands who will read your pages with ever-increasing 
interest." 

Handsomely printed on tinted paper, with eight illustrations, i2mo, 325 pages, bound 

in cloth. If not to be found at your bookseller's, we will mail it post-paid on receipt of 

price, $1.25. 

PETER PAUL & BRO., 

PUBLISHERS, BOOKSELLERS 
AND STATIONEKS, 

420 Main St., Buffalo, N. Y. 



Burgoyne, and me Northern Campaign. 



BY WILLIAM L. STONE. 



MUNSELL'S SONS, PUBLISHERS, 

ALBANY, N. Y. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



MM ©]L© w©mi.ii 



OR TRAVELS AROUND THE WORLD. 



Miss ELLEN H. WALWORTH. 




One Volume, Crown 8vo., with 76 lUustratioLs, Oloth Extra. Price, $2. 



D. &L J. SADLIER &L CO., Publishers, 

31 Barclay Street, :>ie'«v Yorlt. 



"De Quincy used to say that the best models of English style were to be found in the domestic corre- 
spondence of well-bred women, and it is certain that we seldom meet among the products of the American 
press with a more crisp, vivacious and thoroughly unconventional diction than that presented in the letters 
here thrown together in book form." — Ne7ij York Sun. 

" With hardly a trace of the school girl style she has given a freshness and novelty to her subject which, 
without undue indulgence, may be pronounced charming."— Z.o^/jr/Zi'f Courier-Journal. 

"Governor Seward made the tour of the world after his retirement from public life, and his narrative 
thereof is one of the most entertaining stories of travel in print. This narrative by a truant school girl is 
scarcely less so. The one gives the impressions made on the mind of the wary and experienced statesman, and 
the other those made on the mind of an impressionable and singularly brilliant girl of io\xx\.&&n.'" —Chicago 
Saturday Evening Herald. 

"One of the daintiest books of travel that has appeared for a long time is 'An Old World as Seen 
Through Young Eyes.' " — The Philadelphia Press. 

" The secret of her art is that there is no art about it. She was not writing for the public, but to tell the 
truth and please herself." — St. Louis Daily Times. 

"Miss Walworth is a traveler who possesses the rare faculty of seeing things that are worthy of being seen, 
and the still rarer faculty of closing her mind if not her eyes to things indifferent."— .-i//><i«j)' Morning Express. 

"They evince the possession not only of literary faculty in an uncommon degree, but unusual powers of 
observation and rare command of language. But perhaps their principal charm lies in that delightful naivete 
close akin to humor which characterizes them." — The Daily Saratogian. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



The Mt. McGregor Railway 



Is particularly a pleasure road, controlled by the 
company, and trains will be run to accommodate the 
public, at all reasonable hours. Visitors to Saratoga 
should not fail to spend a few days on Mt. McGregor 
at Hotel Balmoral. 

Ticket Offices near Waverly Hotel, 
North Broadway, 
And first door south of U. S. Hotel, 

far^ for I^oUix^l I'rip, $1.00. 

Mt. McGregor is highly recommended for persons suffering from 

hay-fever and asthma. 



The kenmore 



NORTH BROADWAY, COR. VAN DAM ST. 

^irst-elass in ^11 jts H,f)pointments. 

gteam j^eat and G^^ctrie l^ells. 

Xerms, $2.00 to $2.50 per Day. 

-^ SPECIAL RAXKS BY THK WEEK J^ 



OPEN ALL THE YEAR. 



J. N. BAMSDILL, - - Proprietor. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 




THK POMPKIA, 



© 



South Broadway, SARATOGA. 



VISITORS AT ONCE STEP INTO 



A Sumptuous Pompeian Palace of Two Thousand Years Ago, 

Before its destruction by Vesuvius. 

Frescos, Engravings, Furniture, Fountains, Statuary, Marbles, 
Ornaments, Mosaics, Pictures. 

ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE 

Qpcirideup of ^neient Pom{>eii, with its "Pirt, j^istory and Romance. 

Pompeian and Roman Life, Art, Manners and Worship fully illustrated. 
Descriptive Pamphlets at the Hotels and Springs. 



Open Day and Evening. 



ADMITTANCE 60 CENTS. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



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